Young people — and not just the young — still see online dating as a fast and convenient way to find a partner. Around 67% of people meet their significant other online. However, behind this convenience lie serious risks: from classic romance scams (with global losses exceeding $1 billion a year) to newer schemes involving AI-generated content.
Even though virtual communication lowers many verbal and psychological barriers, it’s important to remember that the online world requires just as many rules of communication and safety as real life. AdmiGram.com explains how to meet people online the right way — while staying safe.
How to Date Online Safely and Responsibly
Make sure the person is real
Always check the photos of someone you’re interested in using tools like PimEyes or TinEye. AI-generated images and deepfake videos are extremely common today. If someone refuses to do a live video call (with today’s date or a spontaneous gesture), that’s a major red flag.
The more complete and natural a profile looks — multiple photos in different settings, posts, followers, stories — the higher the chance it belongs to a real person. Empty profiles or ones that look too perfect are almost always suspicious. Don’t hesitate to block or delete at the first sign of doubt.
Use mutual connections and social media
Check for mutual friends or followers. If you have shared connections, ask them for honest feedback. Look at what the person likes and comments on — it often reveals a lot about their personality and behavior.
Watch for red flags in conversations
Excessive clinginess, very fast declarations of love, fixation on one topic, stories about “temporary hardships” (illness, money problems, “needing help with a transfer”), or offers related to earning or investing money are all warning signs. So is refusing to video chat.
Scam tactics haven’t changed much: after 2–4 weeks of chatting, conversations often shift toward “profitable investments,” requests to move money through your account, or direct requests for intimate photos — often used later for blackmail.
Keep your distance at the beginning
Don’t rush to share personal information, even if it feels like you’ve “found your soulmate.” Ask more questions and share less. Scammers often use personal details for blackmail, password guessing, or manipulation through mutual contacts.
Protect your account properly
Use a strong, unique password (at least 16 characters, ideally with a password manager) and enable two-factor authentication. Never use birthdates, pet names, or phone numbers in passwords. Don’t reuse passwords across dating apps and financial services.
If You Like Each Other and It’s Time to Meet
- The first meeting should be during the day, in a busy public place (a café in a central area, a mall, or an outdoor terrace).
- No apartments, cars, deserted parks, or trips out of town for the first few dates.
- Share your phone number only shortly before the meeting (ideally use a temporary number or a second SIM).
- Tell a friend where you’re going, with whom (profile screenshot + name), and when you plan to be back.
You can use features like “Share My Date” in apps such as Bumble or Hinge, or simply share your live location. - A video call before meeting is highly recommended (not just watching a pre-recorded video).
After the First Date
First of all, decide honestly whether you want to continue. Trust your feelings — it’s completely normal to feel disappointed after meeting in real life. If that happens, find the courage to explain that you’re not ready to continue seeing or communicating with the person. Be polite, but clear.
If you do want to continue, move the relationship into real life sooner rather than later — don’t get stuck in endless chatting.
What You Should Never Do When Dating Online
Finally, here are a few things you should never do when meeting people online:
- Send money for any reason (tickets, medical bills, “temporary problems,” “investments,” phone top-ups, etc.) — almost always a scam
- Send intimate photos or videos — this is always high risk (blackmail with money or gift cards)
- Share personal or financial information (ID, bank details, SSN, CVV, home address)
- Meet secretly in private or isolated places
- Click links or download apps/files sent by your match
- “Help” with crypto platforms, money transfers, gift cards, or transferring funds for third parties
- Ignore your intuition: if something feels too good, too fast, or just off — trust that feeling
Online dating leads to real relationships every single day — but your safety is not optional, it’s essential. Choose apps with strong verification (video selfies, ID checks), enable scam warnings if available, and report suspicious profiles immediately. Be careful, build trust gradually, and enjoy the process.
