How many of your friends met their partners online? The quest for love and companionship has undergone a significant transformation in the digital age. Dating apps emerged as the go-to platforms for millions of people, with over forty-two million users on Bumble alone. The convenience and allure of these platforms have drawn people from all walks of life. Unlike so many online interactions, there is (usually) a real person at the other end of your chats waiting to meet up. While there are always safety concerns when meeting someone on the internet, there are also growing concerns about the websites themselves.
Trust and safety are at the heart of the matter. We hear terms like catfishing, impersonation, swindles, stalking, and extortion and assume it cannot happen to us. We could never be one of the 16,000 abductions, 100 murders, or thousands of assaults that occur each year. What measures are in place to ensure your safety when we decide to meet someone in person?
A Dangerous Digital Playground
Dating apps have become an integral part of modern romance, but this convenience comes with a catch. The days of meeting potential partners in a bar or church seem increasingly quaint as more and more people turn to their screens to pursue love. This shift has not gone unnoticed and is not without its dark side.
Consider “Dirty John,” the gripping true-crime story turned podcast turned television series, chronicling the story of a con artist who used dating apps to prey on unsuspecting victims. John purported to be a doctor, often wearing scrubs to dates and talking about his work at the hospital. It took the diligence of a concerned daughter to reveal the truth, but not before a heavy toll was inflicted on their family.
Was the dating site responsible for verifying his identity?
Not all background checks are the same
Some sites offer background check services that are merely a national criminal check on the provided name. In dating apps, criminal history screening should be standardized to a safety level. Detailed criminal history checks should be the bare minimum for meeting a person face-to-face via dating sites.
The ubiquity of these sites in our lives makes it hard to remember what is at stake. We hear the horror stories of con artists—and worse—and assume that we are not that unlucky. While catfishing and online fraud might top the list of digital dating concerns, the stakes are far more grave. Think about this: Every year, internet predators are responsible for over 16,000 abductions, one hundred murders, and thousands of rapes, as reported by InternetPredatorStatistics.com. Do you still think you are safe behind your screen?
With one out of every ten sex offenders leveraging online dating to connect with potential victims, according to Phactual.com, it is not just about being tricked out of your money or being led on by a fake profile—it is about protecting your life. Trusting a dating platform is not just about feeling secure while chatting; it is about ensuring the platform protects you from those who might want to harm you.
In a horrifying example from 2017, a Massachusetts woman matched with a registered sex offender on a well-known dating site. Their first date ended with her reporting a rape, although charges were later dropped when she decided against going to trial. Shockingly, a spokesperson from this well-known dating platform admitted to the limitations in their safety protocols, stating that they cannot conduct a “uniform screening protocol” for sexual offenders. Their reason? They “don’t collect enough information from its free users — and some paid subscribers.” As reported by People.com, it is a chilling admission of the vulnerabilities of such platforms. But what is even more concerning is if companies with vast resources are not ensuring user safety, who is?
Despite their convenience, dating apps have become a dark digital playground for predators. In the rush to offer services to millions and expand their user base, many platforms seem to have forgotten the essential component: user Trust and Safety. Convenience should never come at the cost of personal security. In 10% of the incidents from dating sites, these companies matched people with someone convicted of sexual assault at least once.
Now more than ever, there is an urgent need for dating platforms to revolutionize their safety protocols. Whether it is through more stringent verification processes, continuous background checks, or tighter security measures, it is high time that these platforms prioritize the safety of their users.
The future of online dating should not just be about connecting people; it should be about ensuring that those connections are made safely. As users, it is crucial to demand more from these platforms, because your safety may depend on it. But how do you demand something from a dating platform that does not require safety or is concerned about user experience?
Reusable Verified Identity and Screening
Dating sites should consider using an independent screening platform, which offers reusable verified credentials, designed to provide an extra layer of security to the online dating experience. It can offer users the ability to verify the identity and background of potential matches, thus ensuring that the person you are talking to is genuine. It acts as a safety net, giving you the confidence to explore connections while knowing that you have taken an additional precaution. Dating sites can integrate a reusable, digitally verified credential for every user on their site, thus getting individuals to participate in their ”Trust and safety” while maximizing user engagement and growth and minimizing user friction during onboarding. This approach also helps those who go in and out of dating sites frequently and provides consistent verification of participants across multiple sites.
This approach is sure to bring millions of additional users to these sites who are currently sitting on the sidelines for fear of safety and mistrust of these dating sites.
Online dating is here to stay—it is convenient, helps you find people with similar interests, and has produced happy couples worldwide. However, with this digital transformation comes the pressing need to address trust and safety concerns. Reusable verified ID verification and screening make Trust and safety as easy as the dating platform makes meeting. Once a person is screened, that credential is always kept current. You can have the ease of mind that you expect, on terms you control.
Because, at the end of the day, finding love should not come with uncertainties about safety. When we prioritize our security, we empower ourselves to dive into the world of online dating with confidence and openness. After all, true connections thrive best in a space of trust and assurance.