Finding a life partner or even just someone to enjoy some fun times with can be challenging in our fast-paced world. While online dating offers a way to reach out to potential partners, it can be daunting and even scary to do so. So while as many as one in 10 Americans have tried online dating, you may be asking yourself: “are dating sites safe?” The answer is they are if you know where to look.
There is growing interest in online dating, with more than 40% of all Americans indicating that they know an online dater, and close to 30% saying that they know someone who has used online dating to find a long-term partner. In fact more than half of Internet users surveyed believe that online dating lets people find better matches because of the large database it gives you access to and alms 60% describe it as a good way to meet potential life partners. Nearly 40% of those dubbed “single and looking” are using dating sites. Of those who have tried an online dating site for singles, 66% have actually gone on a date with an online match. Twenty-three percent of online daters have met their life partner or spouse through such sites and this figure is growing. One of the biggest desires, though, is to find the safest online dating website.
Concerns about misrepresentation or even possible danger rank high for most considering online dating. There are, however, ways to ensure a safer, more honest online dating experience. Some sites offer background check dating, for example. This is where users’ information and identity are verified by the site through a team of private investigators. This gives both of you peace of mind and ensures that the person you are chatting to is who they say they are.
Other ways to cut down on the risk with online dating is to search for social media presences in the person’s name, ask for a video chat before meeting him or her in person, and ensuring that your first date or several dates are in public places. So are dating sites safe? Yes, they are, if you use common sense and ensure that you do not take unnecessary risks. They can be a wonderful way to meet new people and have resulted in many happy relationships.