3 Ways to Stay Safe While Online Dating When You’re Not So Tech Savvy*

Once upon a time, the only ways to meet a potential partner was face to face or through a set up by a friend. A lot of couples met at school, or at work, or on a night out. You went on dates, you had phone calls, you got to know that person by seeing their face and hearing their voice. However, in 2021, one of the most popular ways to meet someone is through online dating. Although this has been a concept that has been around for a few years now, with the growing number of apps available on your smart phone, you can meet someone new wherever you go. And even though that can be exciting, help you connect with people you normally wouldn’t it can be dangerous and it can be scary, especially for those who are getting back into dating after years of being out of the game, I’m talking about those who are trying their hand at senior dating. This could be their first foray into the world of finding a date online and they may not be as wise about the risks of meeting someone from the internet as the younger generation are (lets face it, we’ve all had it drummed into us from an early age!)

So here are 3 ways to stay safe while online dating;

Don’t Make Your Personal Contact Details Readily Available
When setting up an online dating profile, keep your location vague. I know there is a lot to learn when you’re senior dating. If you live in a town or city, put that name, if you live in a village put the area. Don’t give out your address until after you’ve met the person. Don’t have your mobile number visible on your profile and if you can, limit who can see your social media accounts. Stalkers are no joke and if a predator perceives you as vulnerable they could even rob your home or worse. Online predators don’t just target children so just because you’re over a certain age, don’t think you’re exempt. You wouldn’t walk around down with your home address and mobile number pinned to your shirt would you?

Try To Have a Video Call
If you’re considering meeting someone you’ve been talking to on a dating website, make sure you try to have a video call with them first. Anyone can post photos on a dating profile and lie through their teeth about age and what they look like so by having a video call with someone you can match the photos to the person. If they have nothing to hide they’ll be more than happy to take a video call with you, and in fact they’ll probably want to do the same to ensure you’re who you say you are so don’t feel guilty for asking.

Meet Somewhere Public
The big day has arrived and you’re going to meet your potential date! There is no denying that it’s exciting and nerve racking. But make it easier on yourself by setting the date for somewhere public and casual to take the pressure off. The times i’ve met up with someone from a dating website I’ve always set the place as a coffee shop, during the day and chose to meet at there rather than a street. I feel comfortable knowing that there are people around should I start to feel unsafe or intimidated.

Just because you’re not in your 20s or 30s any more doesn’t mean you can’t give online dating a go. It doesn’t matter what age you are, you can never be too careful when it comes to meeting someone who you’ve only spoken to through a screen.