The trend towards online dating is unbroken. Most dating sites and dating agencies continue to record growing membership numbers, more and more couples are getting to know each other via the Internet and competition in this market segment continues to increase.
At the same time, however, this growing popularity is attracting more and more black sheep who shamefully abuse the advance trust, good faith, naivety and inexperience of more and more singles on the Internet. The consequences for victims range from emotional disappointment and dismay to serious cases of stalking and even worse criminal behavior.
We therefore find it elementary and extremely important to point out to all singles, people looking for a partner and online users who want to flirt that flirting on the Internet also carries (sometimes enormous) risks. Black sheep and shady characters are attracted by quick money - after all, the online dating market is extremely lucrative - or driven by baser motives. The anonymity of the Internet does the rest.
However, these facts do not mean that you should generally turn your back on online dating or even demonize this phenomenon. However, there are a few important basic things to keep in mind so that you don't lose the joy of flirting online.
The “Safer Dating” initiative
In this context, we would like to draw your attention today to the “Safer Dating” initiative ( www.saferdating.de ), which deals intensively with safe dating online . This initiative, launched in 2004, aims to make online dating safer. This is now also recommended by large, reputable media outlets.
As of May 2013, the following dating providers are recommended on the Safer Dating homepage:
Further information about these contact platforms and detailed analyzes can be found on the initiative's website.
Risks of online dating
Safer Dating primarily draws attention to the following risks when internet dating:
The wrong provider
Not all providers of online dating services live up to their responsibilities. Choosing the wrong provider can cause various problems:
- Lack of transparency of products
- Lack of protection of the user's personal rights
- Lack of information to the user about risks
- Lack of editorial review of user data
- Lack of support for the user in the event of problems (customer service)
Fake profiles
A whole range of people are creating a false identity here. The personal characteristics are either simply wrong or are glossed over.
Internet stalking
The Internet has opened up a new field of activity for stalkers. If threats become reality, it is referred to as “stalking” , which means harassing, threatening or pursuing a person against their will.
Online addiction
As with other areas of online use, the fun of flirting online can become a compulsion. You should pay attention to early warning signs here.
You can find detailed information about these risks as well as contact points for quick and reliable help .
Guide to online dating
As already mentioned, some dubious providers and virtual “marriage fraudsters” lurk in the data jungle and cause serious emotional and financial damage.
Inexperienced users easily fall victim to professional fraudsters or alleged pranksters. And the tabloid press is also fueling fear with stories from the depths of the Internet. Online pleasure quickly turns into online frustration.
But that doesn't have to be the case if you follow a few basic guidelines and use common sense. Then there is a good chance that you will have a lot of fun and success in your virtual partner search.
The latest research also contradicts the prejudice that Internet relationships are short-lived and superficial. As social psychologist Katelyn McKenna discovered, the opposite is true.
Safer Dating offers well-structured and easy-to-implement information and tips - especially for newcomers to the world of online singles. This is how you get to your dream date step by step .
Finally, it can also be said that online dating is an important response to changes in our society. This answer enables us to get to know an above-average number of potential partners in a short amount of time. And this in a qualified way.
We wish you a nice, exciting and problem-free search for a partner!
