Online Dating: How to Not Get Catfished
Dating online continues to grow with every new app and website dedicated to finding love. While it is more common to hear success stories as online love becomes the norm, there is still a ton of people who end up getting hurt. Some people still find it amusing to create fake profiles and lead on innocent people trying to genuinely find love.
Online dating can be tough, but it can be worth it. (Photo: thegloss.com)
When people “catfish,” it not only hurts the individuals involved, but it can deter others from trusting online dating in general. So how can we put an end to lies and deception in the game of love? For one, people who create profiles online need to be honest with themselves and others. Secondly, people searching for love online need to learn how to spot cyber red flags. These are online date “don’ts” you can’t over look when pursing someone you meet on the web.
Here are the cyber red flags you need to watch out for if you hope to find happily ever after online:
Hotline bling
Typically when you meet someone online, you flirt and joke around for a bit to feel each other out. But once your interest has been sparked, you typically exchange phone numbers to continue to get to know each other. While texting is more popular than talking over the phone, you need to make an exception when it comes to online dating. Go ahead and text each other, but you also need to set aside time to talk on the phone. If your online lover refuses, this can be a red flag that they are hiding something.
Skype date
If you have talked to your online lover over the phone, you aren’t in the clear just yet. They can be altering the sound of their voice or having someone else call to match their desired voice. That sounds like a lot of effort to trick someone, but crazy stuff like that does in fact happen. In order to double check that you aren’t being catfished, you need to get a visual. Exchanging photos isn’t enough nowadays. It is too easy to take other people’s photos and trick people into thinking you are someone else physically. Set up a Skype date to make sure the photos you see match the person you are talking to. If a Skype date is declined, that is another red flag.
Meet up
Even if you talk on the phone and Skype each other, you need to meet in person. Long distance can be an issue, but if things get serious enough it is necessary. You don’t want to fall hard for someone who isn’t willing to go the distance. You don’t need to meet them right away, but as the relationship gets more serious, you will want to plan a real world date. This way you can ensure compatibility and physical attraction in person. If they refuse to try to meet, it is up to you to decide if you want to continue this relationship solely long distance and online.
Photos can be deceiving, so don’t believe everything you see when dating online. (Photo: onsizzle.com)
Love has evolved so much in recent years, and will continue to change as time goes on. But one thing will remain the same, a few bad apples can ruin love for others. You are going to hear online love success stories, but you will also hear a few nightmares. Protect yourself from heartache and know a red flag when you see it. Continue to love, but love smart.
