Online Dating - How Do You Stay Safe?*

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Over the last 18 months or so, we have see more media publicity than ever before about abuse and ill treatment towards women, including things such as the #MeToo movement. The awareness of how men behave towards women in public and, more importantly, in private has increased massively and is now something people are talking about more and more.

As someone who has been treated horrifically by men in the past, the #MeToo movement is something that really resonates with me, and when I started dating again, it was very important to me to find a man who treated me with respect, had the same values and ideas as me and identified as a feminist - which, let me tell you, is not easy to find.

Obviously I started my dating journey online, and that is where I think the problem really begins - whilst hiding behind a computer of phone screen, people can pretend to be whoever they want to be. They have the courage to say whatever they want to say, even if it's in no way appropriate because they feel protected by the screen. This often leads to the abuse and sexual harrassment online - unwanted, inappropriate photographs and videos, name calling, bullying, peer pressure and threats.

Using adult dating sites shouldn't be a scary prospect though, it should be fun! So whilst websites continue to battle with online trolls, what can you do in the meantime to protect yourself online from sex dating predators who need to be avoided?


1 - Don't give out personal details online
No bank details, no address, nothing personal and private until you've met that person and know that they are who they say they are. You might want to say the area that you live so you can meet people from the same area as you - if this is the case please be very general. List the county or the town you live in but don't list your exact location.

2 - Be careful when arranging dates
Meet in public places surrounded by lots of people - don't go to their house or invite them to yours. Meet in a busy pub, restaurant or theatre where other people have a clear view of the two of you.

3 - Be careful on the date, too
Don't leave your drink unattended, in case they spike it. Also, let people know where you're going and who you're going with - a friend, a family member. This is just in case something did happen, they would be able to assist in helping you out.

4 - Don't be afraid to hit the block button
If someone makes you feel scared or uncomfortable there is no shame in hitting the block button so they can't contact you again - or even reporting them to the adult dating site or the police if necessary. As I've already said, dating should be exciting and fun and even if you've been speaking to someone on a regular basis or for an extended period of time, if they start to abuse your relationship, cut them off. Block and delete them! You don't owe them anything and you don't need to let them continue harassing you.


Catfishes are real. There are sick people out there who will try to gain your trust by pretending to be someone else, enticing you into a situation that's not safe. It's hard to combat these preadators but if you protect yourself by using some of the tips listed above, you'll find that online dating doesn't have to be scary - it can be fun, and you might even find the love of your life!

Not everyone out there is out to get you - but it doesn't mean that no one is. Look after yourself and be web-wise when connecting with people online!

Love from,
Florence Grace

This post was sponsored by No Strings Dating via Digital Dudes but all thoughts and opinions are my own. 

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