Digital technology, especially smart devices, have transformed many aspects of our society, including how people meet each other and establish relationships — romantic or otherwise. Attitudes towards dating apps and services have grown progressively more positive in recent years. People are now not only turning to their devices to work, shop, and play, but to manage their personal lives and relationships too. Online dating is becoming more popular. Are online daters giving away too much about themselves? Are they, through online dating, exposing themselves and their devices to malicious people — or indeed malware — all too easily? The following report summarises our findings. An online survey conducted by research firm B2B International and Kaspersky Lab in August assessed the attitudes of 21, users aged over 16 years old from 32 countries. This report outlines the responses of 6, online dating users from 30 of the countries surveyed answers from respondents in China and the UAE have been excluded regarding their online activity, including the types of devices they use, the kind of information they share, and any concerns they might have about online dating apps and services. Data was weighted to be globally representative and consistent, split equally between men and women, and not all the results from the study have been included in this report.
54% of Internet Users Believe That Online dating services is Dangerous
To request further data please contact Kaspersky Lab at prhq kaspersky. Online dating provides users with the ideal place to meet people that have similar likes, dislikes and character traits to them. So, if one-in-three people out there are doing it, who is the typical online dater? Although such a large number of people are dating online, our study has found that if you decide to take part, you are most likely to be in the company of users that meet the following criteria. Many people that are on the online dating scene are young, as the This tech-savvy age group is likely embracing online dating as a way to meet interesting new people while balancing busy professional lives. Online daters are most likely to visit dating apps and services from Windows PCs and Android smartphones than any other type of device. So why are these people going online to start up relationships with others? Certainly, online dating provides all the convenience of making it quick and easy to meet people. Gender differences also come into play. While many different types of people go online to date — and they do it for multiple reasons, our study also asked people about what they get up to when they are dating online, in order to understand the potential security implications. The profile is understandably a crucial part of online dating. It allows users to share snippets of their lives. It acts as a window, or a preview of a person, enticing others to reach out to them or find out more. Is the profile crucial to the success of online dating?
But is profile information secure? We found that a worrying number of online dating users are, through their profiles, placing sensitive information about themselves into the public domain, which could potentially lead them to harm if the information was to fall into the wrong hands. All of this information, in the wrong hands, can be used to track online dating users and their families online and offline, to crack their accounts by guessing passwords, for blackmail, and more. That, of course, is not always a safe or a good thing. However, there is a disparity between men and women. When it comes to personal information, men are ready to share information about themselves much faster than women are. Despite the high proportion of people who use online dating services or apps, there are several factors that can put users off. People might turn to online dating for fun and to strike up new relationships, but ironically our study shows that a large number of people lie in the process, and this in itself is off-putting. Among those that admitted they lie during online dating, the most popular things to lie about include their names, marital status, location and appearance — such as by showing fake photos. Either way, people faking it is one of the most hated aspects of online dating. So, why are people lying online? But other reasons vary from people trying to catch their partners cheating, to trying to make themselves look better, or simply lying for the fun of it. With people lying for a variety of reasons online, safety, naturally, becomes something that we should question. With online dating so prevalent, users are clearly giving strangers access to their lives, which could perhaps be why those who date online have concerns about their online safety. Meanwhile, older age groups have slightly different concerns. The data suggests that men put themselves at risk more than women. In addition, around one-in-ten have had their device hacked, have had their data infected, shared, or become the victim of financial fraud. However, the study also shows that people are not protecting themselves properly when they are dating online. So, there is an awareness and certain level of concern about the dangers involved in online dating.
How to Use Online Dating Apps Safely
This just needs to translate into action. Today, people are time-poor, and we rely on our digital devices to help us manage our schedules, our busy lives, and how we interact with others. Digital devices act as a window to the rest of the world, including our relationships. This is even more the case where online dating is concerned. This form of striking up new relationships is entirely dependent on our digital platforms or smart devices. People are, because of online dating, literally carrying their dates around with them in their pockets. While this comes with a large amount of convenience, it also comes with its own risks. Online dating, indeed, requires the exchange of a certain level of information which, if placed in the wrong hands, can be misused. They are also at heightened risk of experiencing an IT security-related problem such as having their data leaked or exposed in some way. Yet, they do little to protect themselves, with only one-in-three putting basic security measures in place such as using strong passwords or restraining themselves to sharing limited information about themselves online.The boundary between online dating and the real world can very easily be blurred. Information about home addresses, once shared, can very quickly result in strangers turning up on doorsteps, personal information and sensitive photos can very easily turn into blackmail opportunities or put hacked accounts in the hands of cybercriminals. Far from advising people to reduce their online dating activities, we simply would like to advise online daters to exercise caution, just like they would in the physical world. If you chose to date online, be careful not to click on unknown links that could be malicious, and try to avoid using insecure Wi-Fi hotspots where data can be intercepted by cybercriminals. Furthermore, use protection in the form of a security solution and strong, hard-to-guess passwords, be savvy about how much data you give away and, importantly, look after the data you care about the most. Solutions for:. Dangerous Liaisons: is everyone doing it online? Sign up to receive our headlines in your inbox. Sherri Gordon, CLC is a published author, certified professional life coach, and bullying prevention expert. She's also the former editor of Columbus Parent and has countless years of experience writing and researching health and social issues. Over the past several years, the popularity of online dating has skyrocketed compared to where it originally started. In fact, dating websites and apps have given single people a convenient new way to connect with people.
https://grahamcluley.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/dating.jpegLooking For Your Love Online? Check These Risks Before You Do So
But, with the ease of dating websites and apps comes some new issues, particularly in the form of safety. For instance, interacting with strangers online can put you at risk for identity theft, online harassment, stalking, digital dating abuse , catfishing, and other scams. And, if you do decide to meet up "in real life" IRL with someone you met on a dating app, you need to ensure your physical safety as well. To make navigating the online dating scene a little easier and safer, we have compiled a list of important facts about online dating. We also have put together some tips for selecting the best dating app for you as well as included key tips for staying safe in the online dating world. Whether you are new to online dating, or you consider yourself a pro, it helps to have a clear understanding of what dating apps offer including how often they are used, how they are viewed by others, and even how honest people are when building their profiles. Here is everything you need to know about the online dating industry. It's estimated there are 44 million people using dating websites and nearly 27 million people using smartphone dating apps in the United States in The number of people who use dating websites is estimated to increase to 53 million by The number of people in the United States who are willing to try online dating has increased, and overall, people believe that online dating is safer. To some, it probably comes as no surprise that people may lie when using dating websites and apps. However, one study reported that most incidents of lying on an online dating site were minor when compared to more extreme types of lies like catfishing. For instance, heterosexual people tended to make minor exaggerations in an attempt to seem more attractive to the opposite sex. Men tended to say they were a few inches taller than they actually were, and women tended to say they were a few pounds lighter than they actually were.
Should Youngsters Get into Relationship with Online Dating?
While some people think dating apps are only for "hook ups," research shows that the reasons people use dating apps vary. One study found that these reasons tend to fall into six different categories:. People may use a specific app based on the type of relationship they're looking for. One study notes that people who wanted casual relationships reported using Tinder more often, and those who wanted more serious relationships reported using OkCupid more often. You might consider using an app that thoughtfully matches you with another person if you're looking for a more serious relationship, versus an app that focuses more on photos. For instance, Plenty of Fish matches people based on behavioral patterns and even provides a compatibility score. One study found that marriages where couples had first met online were linked with higher rates of marital satisfaction and lower rates of breaking up compared with marriages that began in more "traditional" ways, like meeting through mutual friends. Of course, you're not guaranteed to have a longer-lasting relationship if you meet your partner online. But studies like the above do suggest that online dating websites and apps may offer an advantage over meeting someone in person. With online dating, you can often get a better understanding of what someone is looking for upfront, as opposed to meeting someone in person who doesn't intend on starting a serious relationship. With dating websites and apps, you can learn about someone's values and interests even before meeting them—this may help you meet people who are more compatible with you. Some people treat online dating like shopping. They swipe through photos looking for the perfect mate, often dismissing someone more quickly than they would have had they first met the person face-to-face. Consequently, online dating can have a negative effect on self-esteem , whether someone is pursuing people who don't reciprocate or they are not getting as many matches as they hoped they would. For this reason, it's important to use dating websites and apps mindfully. Make sure you don't spend too much time per day on the app, work on your self-confidence outside of dating, and have patience throughout the process of finding a partner. When it comes to selecting the best online dating app for you, reading reviews and comparing apps can get confusing, especially when the features and options vary widely and are constantly changing as developers modify dating websites and apps. With more than 7, dating apps worldwide, there is a lot to choose from. But, it doesn't have to be overwhelming. Follow these few simple steps to help you find the best app for you.
Internet dating dangers
Online dating can be a risky endeavor because there are so many unknowns. Consequently, you want to be sure that the app you select has some built-in safety features. Ideally, the app will promote its safety guidelines on the sign-up page. But if they do not, or if the safety guidelines are particularly hard to find, you may want to find a different app. For instance, Tinder has a photo verification feature that offers people the opportunity to take a photo in real-time of themselves, and Tinder matches this photo with the person's profile to prevent catfishing. A blue checkmark appears on the profiles of those who are photo verified. When online dating, you may come across people that you feel are behaving inappropriately or who are just plain toxic. If this happens, you want to be able to report their behavior as well as block them from contacting you. It is important to know upfront about how the safety features of the dating website or app. If there are no ways to report inappropriate messages or block people from contacting you, you may decide to avoid using a service altogether. Most dating apps, like Hinge, allow you to report suspicious or inappropriate messages from other people. Hinge, like other dating apps, has a mission statement supporting respect for other people on the app and a "zero-tolerance" policy for discrimination , threats, or harassment.Dating sites like Match. When reviewing an app, check to see if you are able to control the visibility of your profile. Ideally, you want an app that allows more options to secure your profile. The fewer options you have, the more exposed your information is on the Internet. For instance, Hinge offers several options for people to control who they see and who sees them. Just remember, the more options an app provides in this area, the better. No one likes receiving unwanted photos or creepy messages, which certainly is a possibility within dating apps. As a result, it is best to select an app that requires both people to have an interest before messaging can take place. This way, you can reduce the number of unwanted messages you get and limit it to only the people you want to be communicating with. Many online dating apps use your location as a way of allowing you to find possible matches. However, make sure the app allows you to have some control over this setting. It is never a good idea to have an app that allows complete strangers to pinpoint where you are or even find your specific neighborhood. Most dating apps have both a free version and a paid version. As a result, you might not want to pay for a membership before you even know if you like the app or if it will be useful. And having the free version is not going to keep you from meeting new people.
How to Use Online Dating Apps Safely
When you are first starting out, it can be a lot more beneficial to try several different apps to see what works rather than purchasing the premium membership before you have even taken it for a test drive. Most dating apps like Tinder, Bumble, and Hinge allow people to share data from their social media profiles. This is mostly harmless, but be aware of how much informaton is revealed on your dating profile as a result. Remember, you do not know the people on the dating app. You also want to keep where you went to school and even your employer private. Making this information available means that even after you have blocked people through the app, they still could still find you and harass you through social media. While you are never to blame if someone behaves in a predatory or disrespectful way toward you in the online dating world, there are things you can do to stay safe. Here are some useful safety tips you can put into practice right away to help you be more mindful. When developing your dating profile, avoid using the same photo that you have on your social media accounts. If you use the same photo as your Facebook photo or your Instagram page, it is really easy for someone to do a reverse image search with Google. As a result, if you are using the same photo on all your accounts, it is much easier for someone to find you on social media. When developing your online dating profile, make sure you do not include your last name, contact information, nicknames, or social media handles.
You want to keep the personal details to a minimum. After all, if you come across someone you don't trust, you don't want them having too much information about you. You may even want to tighten the security on your social media accounts to add another layer of protection. For instance, on Facebook, you might adjust your settings so your page is private and is only able to be viewed by "friends," not "friends of friends. When you are messaging with a potential date, or even after a few dates, it is best to message one another inside the app. Although this might be inconvenient, if something doesn't work out, you do not have to worry about the fact that the person has your cell number. What's more, staying inside the app provides you with an extra layer of protection. Some messaging systems with dating apps do not allow people to send photos or links, which can really reduce the number of unwanted photos you get. Eventually, you will want to talk with someone on the phone, either after you have met or beforehand. But instead of giving out your cell number, consider getting a Google phone number and forwarding it to your phone. It is pretty easy to set up. Once you log in to Google Voice, you simply choose your area code and select an available number. The instructions on the rest of the set-up process are pretty simple to follow.
The darkest side of online dating
Avoid letting someone know exactly where you live. Instead, arrange to meet in a public place and provide your own transportation. You also should let a close friend know where you will be and when you will be home. You want your friends to know as much information as possible should something go wrong. Once on your date, be sure you stay aware and alert. Do not leave your drink unattended and keep the first few dates short. You may even want to bring a self-defense tool with you such as pepper spray or a high-powered flashlight. And, if the person you are meeting is making you uncomfortable or scared, enlist the help of a friend in leaving the situation. Remember, you should never feel bad about putting your safety first. Even if you have to do something rude to escape a situation, you need to make sure you are safe. Dating apps can work to connect you with potential partners. Studies show more and more people are meeting their romantic partners online every year. If you are looking to meet your partner online, know that it is very possible. It's estimated that nearly 27 million people are using smartphone dating apps in the United States. There are many free online dating apps that have security features in place designed to protect the people who use them, such as Hinge, Bumble, and Tinder. There are also ways you can ensure your own safety such as not giving out personal information and limiting social media exposure. Online dating in the United States—Statistics and facts. Pew Research Center. Online dating. Romance blossoms on the internet, but there is still public concern about the safety of online dating.Deception in online dating: Significance and implications for the first offline date. Tinder users: Sociodemographic, psychological, and psychosexual characteristics. Attached to dating apps: Attachment orientations and preferences for dating apps. Marital satisfaction and break-ups differ across on-line and off-line meeting venues. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. Holtzhausen, N. Swipe-based dating applications use and its association with mental health outcomes: a cross-sectional study. BMC Psychol ; Psychol Sci Public Interest. Paul A.
Dangerous Liaisons: is everyone doing it online?
Is online better than offline for meeting partners? Depends: Are you looking to marry or to date? Cyberpsychology, Behavior, and Social Networking. When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. Cookies collect information about your preferences and your devices and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. You can find out more about our use, change your default settings, and withdraw your consent at any time with effect for the future by visiting Cookies Settings , which can also be found in the footer of the site. By Sherri Gordon, CLC is a published author, certified professional life coach, and bullying prevention expert. Sherri Gordon. Learn about our editorial process. Learn more. Medical Reviewers confirm the content is thorough and accurate, reflecting the latest evidence-based research. Content is reviewed before publication and upon substantial updates.Learn about our Medical Review Board. Table of Contents View All. Table of Contents. Dating App Facts. Choosing a Dating App. Staying Safe. Frequently Asked Questions. How to Date Without Using Apps. What Is Mindful Dating? Frequently Asked Questions Do online dating apps work? How many people are using online dating apps? Are there any free online dating apps that are safe? Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. See Our Editorial Process. Meet Our Review Board.
Security Tips for Online LGBTQ+ Dating
Share Feedback. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! What is your feedback? Related Articles. Online dating has gone mainstream. Research shows 40 million Americans use dating apps to find a relationship, according to eHarmony. The growing popularity of online dating makes it the most popular way for couples to connect. The more traditional ways to meet people, like through family, friends, or at local gathering places like church, have been on the decline since , according to research from Stanford. In fact, online dating can be downright dangerous. Not everyone online is looking for love. Some people use the sites to look for victims. Research shows:. As more people turn to online dating platforms, safety concerns will continue to grow. As a helpful tool, backgroundchecks. People looking for love in Alaska, beware.The Frontier State ranks as the most dangerous state for online dating. Each state was given a danger score. Why is Alaska so dangerous? There are many factors, but Alaska has a high rate of romance fraud. Overall, there were 85 reported cases of romance fraud in , according to the FBI, which correlates to the highest number of victims per capita in the U. Four thousand miles away from Alaska is the safest state for online dating: Vermont. The state has the lowest danger score, making it the least risky state to meet someone through a dating app. Why is Vermont so safe? Alaska is a daunting place to find an online date, but there are other states that are setting off warning bells too. Nevada and California make the list of perilous states to find a mate online. Online dating in Vermont is the safest, but there are other states where online dating is less likely to result in being scammed, lied to, or physically harmed. West Virginia and Montana also have low danger scores. The level of online dating danger varies across the U. To find out how dangerous your state is, check the heat map below. States in dark red are the most dangerous. States in light red are the safest. While compiling data to explore the dangers of online dating by state, several trends emerged that are worth noting. Four out five of the safest states for online dating are in the east.
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