The trend of Online dating continues to grow in 2009. Now a multi-million
dollar industry, more and more sites are popping up each day, some even
100% free to use. Plentyoffish.com is currently the number one free
site, while recently launched DowntoEarth.com has been receiving rave
reviews in the way it handles their client’s integrity.
So with the mass populous having access to countless profiles, how safe
is online dating?
Individuals decide what they want to put on their profile. They can
portray themselves however they choose and the websites are unable to
perform background checks on clients due to confidentiality issues.
Types of deception to be aware of
1) Inaccurate age:
Generally, an individual will attempt to justify shaving a few years
or decades off their real age by saying, they feel, look or act younger
than they actually are.
2) Dated photos:
While it is important to use clear, close up photographs that are flattering,
the most important thing is for the pictures to reflect someone as they
are currently, not years prior.
3) Married individuals on Singles websites:
Although it is nearly impossible to come up with an accurate percentage
of married men and women using dating sites, the trend is becoming more
common. While some sites, such as Match.com will block an individual
if it is discovered they are married, there is the possibility the client
will choose to keep this information hidden.
Therefore, it is important to make smart decisions before actually meeting
someone for the first time and to continue being cautious if you decide
to pursue a relationship. Personal information such as address, phone
number, place of employment among other things should not be given out
before meeting. The first meeting should be in a public area, rather
than being picked up or picking up the individual.
Sites, such as Truedater.com are attempting to keep the public informed
of online daters. Individuals from other dating websites are reviewed
and given positive or negative feedback from individuals that have dated
them. While they are based on opinion, the additional research does
not hurt if you have any reservations.
