Are you dating online? While the majority of online dates are harmless, there are steps you can take to maximize your safety.
1. Photos
Take a separate set of pictures and only use them in your online dating profiles. Why?
Go to your online dating profile. Take your main image and drag it to your desktop. Run a Google Reverse Image Search on that photo. You might be shocked by how much identifying information about you pops up…
2. Identifying Info
Keep as much personal info out of your profile as possible. Things to leave out: your neighborhood, workplace, and main social media handles.
Yes, you love West Philly. You're obsessed with Fishtown. Great! Say those things! But, don't tell your date exactly where you live. It's not their business. Yet. If your online date blossoms into more frequent hangouts and (gasp!) even a relationship, then it's cool to open up.
3. Honesty
Be honest about who you are and what you look like. Use recent and representative pictures. Be yourself, not who you think other people will want. There's someone out there looking for someone exactly like you. Authenticity is where it's at.
Good luck and happy dating!