The Monday Piece - Staying Safe Online

This week's Monday Piece is on staying safe online! With the media coverage over the past few years of the Me Too Movement, increased emphasis is being placed on staying safe whilst dating, whether it's online dating sites, apps, or out on dates. Dating is no longer an etiquette ruled act, the boundaries have been well and truly broken over the last decade with the popularity of online dating sites and apps soaring as a great way to meet like minded people online. I have many friends who regularly use online dating sites, with our busy lifestyles getting increasingly busier, chatting to people online is convenient and hassle free - people can search for dates no matter where they are or what they’re doing, whether they are relaxing at home, working out at the gym, commuting to work, or on their lunch break, via the touch of a button you could be potentially meeting your soul mate.

Online dating is one of the most popular ways for single folk to connect, if not the most popular way - Statistic Brain studies have found 40 million people have given online dating a try, a number that is growing daily. As well as online dating being convenient, setting up a dating profile takes minimal effort. After choosing the adult dating site you can set up your profile, add a few pictures and start perusing straight away. Unfortunately there are individuals who are out to take advantage of online daters...we have all heard horror stories of things that have happened as a result of dating online, but this is rare and most sites have stringent safety tools in check to keep members from falling victim to unsavoury characters, also being able to block and report certain individuals is an ideal tool if you're feeling uncertain or uncomfortable about another member. Online dating works, over 20% of relationships are a result of meeting online, more than likely due to our increasing work pressures and other social commitments, meeting people out and about gets increasingly difficult as you get older.

Online dating is about fun, whether you're out there looking for something serious or after a more informal no strings attached sex dating site, enjoying yourself is the reason we sign up - staying safe and ensuring you are in a safe environment where you are in control is paramount. There are some easy safe steps you can follow to help guide you through your online dating experience...
Check them out online - when you meet someone you think could be a potential match, get on Google and hunt them down. Facebook, Twitter, Instagram etc. there are so many online social platforms so finding someone online is pretty easy, you can then check them out from there and check everything adds up!
Use your instinct - if something doesn't feel right, then it probably isn't, always trust your gut instinct and stay true to yourself. If their social media accounts only have one or two pictures, or the accounts look a bit 'dodgy' then avoid them and move on, there are plenty more out there.
Take it slooooow - there is no rush when online dating, only start to move forward and progress when you feel comfortable to do so, remember to stay in control of the situation and don't let a stranger dictate to you what you should be doing. Also try not to be swept away with the potential romance and fall in love too soon with a stranger...be smart and don't over think it.
Enjoy yourself - dating is about fun and if you find love then that's pretty awesome, put yourself and your profile out there!

Have you ever used an online dating site/app?
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