The Perils of Online Dating – What to Watch Out For

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Online dating can be a great way to meet new people and find potential romantic partners. However, it can also be a risky venture, especially if you’re not careful. There are a number of things to watch out for when online dating, and we’re here to help you avoid them! In this blog post, we’ll discuss some of the most common dangers of online dating and give you some tips on how to stay safe while looking for love online.

Catfishing

One of the most common dangers of online dating is catfishing. Catfishing is the act of producing a fake profile in order to trick people into thinking they are someone else. Often times it’s done in order to take advantage of someone emotionally or financially. If you’re talking to someone online and they seem too good to be true, be sure to do some research before meeting them in person. A simple Google search can often reveal a lot about someone’s identity, so don’t be afraid to use it!

Other Dating Scams

In addition to catfishing, there are other common online dating scams that you should be aware of. These include things like romance scams, where someone pretends to be interested in a relationship in order to get money from the other person. There are also “phishing” scams, where scammers try to get personal information like your credit card number or Social Security number by pretending to be a legitimate dating site. Be sure to research any dating site you’re thinking about using before giving them any personal information and always be suspicious of anyone who asks for money early on in a relationship.

Meeting In Person

Once you’ve been talking to someone online for a while and you feel comfortable with them, you may want to meet in person. However, it’s good to be careful when doing this. Make sure you meet in a public place and tell someone where you’re going. It’s also a smart idea to bring a friend with you for safety reasons. If the person you’re meeting doesn’t seem like they match their online persona, or if something feels off, trust your gut and leave immediately.

Sextortion

Another danger of online dating that you need to be aware of is sextortion. Sextortion is when someone threatens to share compromising images or videos of you with your friends, family, or employer unless you do something they want, like give them money or sex. If this happens to you, don’t panic! It’s imperative to report the incident to the police and then seek help from a support service like the National Sexual Assault Telephone Hotline (800-656-467).

Meeting Dangerous People

Of course, one of the most common dangers of online dating is meeting someone who turns out to be dangerous. This could be someone who is physically abusive or someone who is emotionally abusive. Many people can hide nefarious intentions quite well, but it’s difficult to do so for very long. If you feel like you’re in danger, it’s important to get out of the situation as quickly as possible and seek help from a trusted friend or family member.

Meeting Gaslighters

Another type of dangerous person that you may encounter while online dating is a gaslighter. Gaslighting is a form of mental manipulation in which the abuser tries to make the victim doubt their own sanity and reality. Gaslighters are very good at making you feel like you’re the one who’s crazy, so it can be difficult to leave an abusive relationship with them.

Meeting Sociopaths

Last but not least, another type of dangerous person you may come across while online dating is a sociopath. Sociopaths are people who lack empathy and have a tendency to be manipulative and exploitative. They’re also often charming and good at lying, which makes them difficult to spot. I

These are just some of the dangers of online dating that you should be aware of! Remember to always trust your gut and be careful when meeting someone new. With these tips in mind, we hope you have a safe and successful online dating experience! 

Written by Megan Taylor
Megan is a beauty expert who is passionate about all things makeup and glam! Her love for makeup has brought her to become a beauty pro at Glamour Garden Cosmetics.