Much has changed in the world of dating. Before dating apps and online dating arrived on the scene, people had to “connect” or “match” the old-fashioned way: by getting out there and meeting people face-to-face. Often, this meant meeting one’s soulmate at the gym, at work, at school, at church, or at a bar or nightclub. But now that it’s the 21st Century, the world of dating has seen sweeping changes.
As of this writing, the top dating apps according to cnet.com are:
- Bumble
- Hinge
- Tinder
- OkCupid
- Coffee Meets Bagel
- Happn
- The League
According to RAINN, the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network, over 40 million Americans use a dating app or online dating service. Since online dating apps are common nowadays, it’s important to keep safety in mind when you meet someone new, even if you’re male.
Dating apps don’t check users’ profiles for authenticity and they don’t run criminal background checks. So, as the user, it’s up to YOU to determine if you’re comfortable meeting someone new. However, please understand that if you are sexually assaulted when meeting someone from a dating app, it is NOT your fault.
RAINN’s Safety Tips for Dating Apps
Before you meet anyone new from an online dating app, follow RAINN’s safety tips:
- Be cautious about connecting with someone with little information about who they are.
- Check out the match on social media. Look the person up and make sure you’re not being “catfished” by someone who created a fake social media account to support their dating profile.
- If you feel a profile is suspicious, report and block the person.
- Watch out for people who disappear and reappear under a different name.
- Be cautious of someone who is overly romantic or sexual early in the conversation.
- Be cautious of someone who uses poor grammar and punctuation but claims to have a high-level of education.
Before you meet the person, video chat ahead of time. Tell a friend where you’re going and send them a screenshot of the date’s profile. Meet in a public place for your first date, and never rely on your date for transportation. Lastly, trust your gut instincts. If you feel uncomfortable or unsafe, don’t worry about being rude and go ahead and leave.
If you or someone you love were sexually assaulted after using a dating app or under other circumstances, contact our firm to explore your legal options.