On a serious note

Dating apps can be a risky and dangerous platform. Although meeting new people might be fun, being cautious of how much information you put out there is a matter of personal safety. Given the disadvantages of any social media platform, you never know who is lurking around to steal your information or approach you with ill intent. There might be individuals or predators on dating apps who actively seek out willing and friendly minds to execute their scams and add them to their malicious line of unethical work.

When you do decide to meet someone you have met on a dating app, it is important to look them up on other social media platforms. If necessary but also additionally, going forward with an initial video call so that you know who you are actually talking to, possibly reduces the chances of being catfished. Even if the person checks out, taking safety measures while meeting the person is always a wise decision. For instance, carrying pepper spray, meeting in a familiar and public space, sharing details with friends or family and letting them know where you will be meeting, and sharing your location from your phones with people you trust.

Dating apps can be fun, but it can also be life damaging if one is not more cautious and careful in how they utilise such apps.