The Dos and Donts of Safe Online Video Dating A Guide to Not Getting Catfished or Worse

Do Your Research

Don’t just take their word for it – dig deeper! A quick Google search can reveal a lot about your online crush. Check their social media profiles, see if they have a legitimate online presence, and verify their identity (yes, it’s a thing!). It’s like being a detective, but instead of solving crimes, you’re solving the mystery of whether they’re a decent human being.

Use Reputable Dating Apps

Ditch the sketchy dating apps that seem to have been created by a teenager with a bad sense of humor. Stick to the reputable ones that actually care about your safety (or at least pretend to). Look for apps with robust verification processes and a history of not getting people killed (a good starting point). Your safety is worth it – or so we’ve been told.

Keep it Public

When engaging in online video dating, keep the conversation out in the open – literally. Avoid moving to private messaging or email too quickly. Keep it on the app or website where you’re more likely to be watched over by benevolent overlords (or at least have some modicum of accountability). Trust us, it’s safer that way – until the overlords get bored and move on to the next big thing.

The Don’ts: Because You Don’t Want to End Up on a True Crime Podcast

Now that we’ve covered the sunshine and rainbows of online video dating, it’s time to get real. The Don’ts are where things get a little more serious (read: terrifying). You see, there’s a fine line between finding love and becoming the next morning news headline. So, pay attention, folks, because we’re about to dive into the don’ts that’ll keep you off the true crime podcast circuit.

Don’t Share Personal Info

Let’s get one thing straight: your personal info is not a free gift to be shared with your new online BFF. Don’t be that person who spills their guts (literally or figuratively) to someone they’ve never met. Keep your address, phone number, and financial info under wraps. We can’t stress this enough: it’s not worth the risk of becoming a cautionary tale. So, keep the convos light and fun, and save the deep, dark secrets for when you’ve actually met in person (and even then, maybe think twice).

Don’t Agree to Meet in Person Too Quickly

Rushing into an IRL meetup can be, well, a real-life nightmare. Take your time, get to know the person (or at least, the person they claim to be), and don’t let your excitement turn into a hasty decision. Think of it as a digital foreplay – enjoy the banter, build the anticipation, and savor the thrill of getting to know someone new. Meeting too quickly can be a recipe for disaster (or at the very least, an awkward coffee date). So, take a deep breath, and let the slow burn begin.

Don’t Ignore Your Instincts

Your gut feeling is like that one friend who always tells you the truth, even when you don’t want to hear it. If something feels off or too good to be true, it probably is. Don’t brush it off as mere paranoia or overcautiousness. Listen to that little voice in your head that’s screaming, “Red flag, red flag, RED FLAG!” Trust your instincts, and you’ll avoid a world of trouble (or at the very least, a bad date). So, if your Spidey sense is tingling, take heed and don’t ignore that inner warning system.

Additional Video Dating Precautions to Take

Because you’ve made it this far without getting catfished (we hope), it’s time to take your online video dating safety to the next level. Here are a few extra credit tips to keep you on the safe side:

• Use a reverse image search to verify your date’s profile pics aren’t stolen from someone else’s Instagram.
• Keep your video calls private, but not so private that you’re alone in a dark room with no one around to hear you scream.
• Consider video calling with a friend in the background (or at least, have them listening in on an extension). It’s like having a wingman, but without the awkward small talk.

By following these extra precautions, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a online video dating ninja – stealthy, cautious, and always ready to swipe left on danger.

Stay Safe, and Maybe You’ll Find Love

Congratulations! You’ve made it to the end of our guide without getting too traumatized by the potential dangers of online video dating. By now, you’re probably thinking, “Wow, I had no idea dating could be so complicated.” But don’t worry, with these dos and don’ts under your belt, you’re ready to navigate the wild world of online romance like a seasoned pro.

So, go ahead and swipe right on that cutie you’ve been eyeing – just don’t forget to keep your wits about you. After all, love is a many-splendored thing, but not getting murdered is pretty great too.