Is Facebook Dating Safe? How to Protect Your Heart and Privacy Online

Online dating is like a treasure hunt — except the treasure is someone who actually likes you back, and the map is your dating profile. From swiping right to building connections, online dating is more popular than ever.

However, with popularity comes danger, and you need to be aware of the risks that come with these platforms. If you’ve ever wondered, “Is Facebook Dating safe?” — you’re not alone.

Online dating can be fun, convenient, and a great way to meet new people. But navigating the world of online romance can be tricky. Facebook Dating, one of the latest entrants to the dating app scene, has grown rapidly since its launch, making it a popular choice among Facebook users.

Despite its perks, questions around its safety have emerged, with concerns about privacy, scams, and personal safety.

In this Mysterium VPN piece, we want to take you on a deep dive into Facebook Dating, the dangers of online dating, the potential scams, and how you can stay safe while looking for love!

The History of Online Dating

Online dating has come a long way since its inception. The first dating site, Match.com, was launched back in 1995, offering a new way for people to meet potential partners. Over the years, the world of online dating expanded with the introduction of apps like Tinder, Bumble, and OkCupid.

These days, online dating services are available for almost every kind of person, whether you're looking for a serious relationship or a casual hookup.

The introduction of Facebook Dating in 2019 marked a new chapter in this evolution, leveraging Facebook’s vast user base. Facebook users already had profiles, so it made sense to introduce a dating service right in the main app.

While the social media giant claimed it would allow users to meet others in a more authentic, less superficial way, the safety and privacy concerns of Facebook Dating were almost immediately brought to the forefront.

Online dating now connects millions of people worldwide, but this convenience also means that scammers have adapted to new technologies, targeting dating app users with increasing frequency.

Is Facebook Dating Safe?

Not exactly. But neither are other dating apps.

While Facebook Dating offers a convenient way to meet potential matches, it's not without its risks. Scammers can create fake profiles and build trust with users, only to ask for money or personal information later.

It's essential to use the platform's safety features, like reporting suspicious accounts and being cautious with what you share.

The Dangers of Online Dating

Online dating certainly opens the door to new possibilities. But the risks that come with sharing personal information online — especially with someone you’ve never met in person — are real.

Your Facebook Dating profile, for example, contains a wealth of personal information, such as your location, relationship preferences, and maybe even your sexual orientation. That’s a lot for someone with malicious intentions to exploit.

As convenient as dating apps may seem, Facebook Dating (like most social media platforms) has a terrible track record when it comes to keeping users’ personal information completely safe.

You need to understand that while these platforms may claim to prioritize security, your data is often still vulnerable to hackers, scammers, and even intrusive advertisers. The targeted advertising system could also use your GPS location and activity to send you ads based on your interactions.

It’s important to remember that people can hide behind fake profiles, which leads to problems like romance scams. Scammers often play on the emotions of dating users, pretending to be a romantic interest, only to ask for money or personal information down the line.

Cyber Safety Tips When Online Dating

• Use a VPN: Always use a VPN (like Mysterium VPN) to protect your IP address and encrypt your data, ensuring your online activity remains private and secure.
• Avoid sharing personal information: Don’t share sensitive details like your address, financial information, or workplace too soon. Keep it light until trust is built.
• Verify photos and profiles: Be cautious of fake profiles — scammers often use stolen pictures. Use reverse image searches or photo verification features to check their authenticity.
• Communicate within the app: Use the app’s built-in messaging system instead of switching to Facebook Messenger or text messages early on. This keeps your personal contact info private.
• Keep track of your interactions: Save screenshots or keep records of important conversations, especially if anything seems suspicious. This could be helpful if you need to report a scam.
• Enable privacy settings: Adjust your privacy settings on the dating platform to control who can see your profile, personal details, or photos.
• Don’t send money: Be wary of anyone asking you for money or claiming to need financial help for an emergency. Romance scams often start with these types of requests.
• Never share your exact location: Avoid sharing your GPS location or checking in at specific places when meeting someone for the first time. It helps keep your whereabouts private.
• Look for red flags: Watch for inconsistencies in stories, reluctance to share photos, or resistance to meet in person — these could be signs of a scam or dishonest intentions.

Types of Scams in Online Dating

• Romance scams: Scammers build trust by engaging with your dating profile and participating in personal messages or video chats. Eventually, they ask for money to cover a made-up emergency or travel expenses. They often play on emotions, making it harder to spot the scam.
• Fake profiles: Scammers create fake profiles using stolen photos from social media or the internet. They may pretend to be soldiers abroad or professionals facing financial troubles, all while trying to gain your trust and ask for money.
• Sextortion scams: In this scam, the fraudster threatens to release intimate or compromising photos/videos unless you send them money. To avoid this, never share intimate images or overly personal details too quickly, especially with people you've just met online.
• Advance fee fraud: The scammer convinces you to send money upfront for things like travel expenses, visas, or helping with a financial emergency. Once the money is sent, the scammer disappears without a trace.
• Investment scams: A scammer may pretend to be a successful investor or businessperson and try to get you to invest in a “profitable” opportunity. They may create fake websites or fake financial documents to persuade you to part with your money.
• Catfishing: This scam involves a person pretending to be someone they’re not, often using fake photos and false stories to create a deep emotional connection. Their goal is usually to manipulate the victim into sending money or personal information.
• Phishing scams: Scammers try to trick you into providing sensitive information (like passwords or credit card details) by posing as legitimate organizations or dating services. They may send fake links or create fake profiles to gain your trust.
• Fake job scams: In these scams, a fraudster might pose as someone who wants to hire you for a job and offer high-paying work. To proceed, they ask for a "deposit" or personal details that they'll later use for malicious purposes.
• Impersonation scams: A scammer may claim to be a Facebook friend or someone in your Facebook groups and ask for money or personal help. The goal is to prey on your connection with people you already trust.

Alternatives to Facebook Dating

While Facebook Dating offers convenience, it’s far from your only option when it comes to online dating. There are many other apps and services with a range of features that prioritize safety, providing users with the chance to connect with like-minded people.

Tinder

Tinder is one of the most popular dating apps globally and is well-known for its quick swipe-to-match format. It has integrated safety features such as photo verification, which allows users to submit a video selfie to ensure their photos are authentic.

Tinder also lets users share their GPS location with trusted friends during dates, providing added security. While Tinder offers a large pool of users, its open-ended nature also makes it a target for scammers, so always keep an eye out for red flags.

Bumble

Bumble differentiates itself by giving women the power to initiate conversations. This platform offers a safety center that provides users with resources on how to stay safe during their online dating experience.

Additionally, Bumble allows users to block and report suspicious accounts easily, and it has a photo verification system to reduce the number of fake profiles.

Bumble also has an option for users to set specific boundaries for their interactions, including not sharing personal information too soon. These tools can help users stay safe, but it’s still important to use caution when engaging with new people.

OkCupid

OkCupid is known for its compatibility-based matchmaking and extensive questionnaires that help people find meaningful relationships. The app is committed to privacy and data protection, offering a range of privacy settings to control who can see your profile and what information is visible to others.

OkCupid has a reporting feature that allows users to flag inappropriate behavior or fake profiles. Additionally, it provides in-app video chat options, which allow users to safely meet virtually before committing to an in-person date, reducing the risk of encountering scams or unsafe situations.

Hinge

Hinge markets itself as an app "designed to be deleted," focusing on users who are looking for more serious, long-term relationships. Hinge encourages authenticity by prompting users to answer questions and engage with each other’s dating profiles.

It offers photo verification and gives users the option to report suspicious activity or fake accounts directly from the app. Hinge also allows users to send messages without revealing their phone numbers, providing an extra layer of security.

The app is designed to foster deeper connections and reduce superficial interactions, but it’s still important to be mindful of privacy when chatting with potential matches.

Match.com

For those seeking more traditional, long-term relationships, Match.com remains a major player in the online dating world. Match.com takes user safety seriously by offering in-depth profile verification processes to reduce fake profiles.

The site also uses scam prevention tools to help users avoid becoming victims of fraud, including guidance on how to spot suspicious behavior.

Match.com also offers users the ability to block and report scammers quickly, helping to keep the platform a safer space for those looking for meaningful connections.

Grindr and Her (for LGBTQ+ Users)

For those in the LGBTQ+ community, apps like Grindr and Her offer tailored features that prioritize inclusivity and safety. Grindr, for instance, uses a block feature and photo verification to help prevent fake profiles and unwanted advances.

Her, which caters to women and non-binary people, promotes a safe space by allowing users to control who can contact them and who can view their profiles. Both apps also provide the option to share location data with trusted friends when meeting up in person.

Niche Platforms

There are also dating services that cater to niche communities, whether you’re interested in certain hobbies, spiritual beliefs, or dating for specific goals.

Examples of such platforms include Christian Mingle, JSwipe (for Jewish singles), and FarmersOnly (for rural daters). Many of these services offer features like profile verification and privacy settings that limit the amount of personal information shared.

Niche platforms tend to have more specific rules and regulations for behavior, often making it easier to spot scammers or inappropriate content within the community.

Staying Safe When Going on a First Date

• Meet in a public place: Always choose a well-lit, public location for your first date, like a café, restaurant, or park. Public spots offer visibility and a safe environment.
• Share your plans: Let a friend or family member know where you're going, who you're meeting, and what time you'll be there. Share your date's name, contact information, and social media profile, if possible.
• Keep personal information to yourself: Avoid sharing sensitive details, like your phone number, home address, or financial information, until you've established trust. Wait until you're comfortable with the person.
• Use your own transportation: Always have your own way to get to and from the date. This gives you control over your movement and ensures you're not dependent on your date for rides.
• Keep your phone charged: Have your phone fully charged and ready in case of an emergency or to contact a friend. It's also helpful for tracking your location with safety apps.
• Trust your gut: If something doesn’t feel right or you’re uncomfortable at any point, trust your instincts and leave. You don’t owe anyone your time if you're not feeling safe.
• Don’t feel pressure to share everything: It’s okay to be cautious when talking about your personal life. Don’t feel pressured to reveal too much too soon.
• Stay sober enough and alert: If you decide to drink, keep track of your beverages and be mindful of your alcohol intake. Always stay in control of your senses and awareness.
• Set boundaries: Establish boundaries for physical and emotional comfort. If someone disrespects those boundaries, it’s okay to politely end the date.
• Arrange a check-in: If you're feeling nervous, arrange for a friend to check in on you during the date. You can send them a quick text or call to let them know you're okay.
• Jump on a video call before meeting: If you're unsure, suggest having a video chat before meeting in person to get a better sense of who the person is. This adds an extra layer of security before you meet face-to-face.

Conclusion

Dating online doesn’t have to be a dangerous endeavor, but it does require caution. While Facebook Dating provides an easy way to connect, the risks to your privacy and personal safety are significant.

By following safety tips to protect your data and being cautious with your personal information, you can take control of your online dating experience. At the end of the day, the most important thing is to stay safe while navigating the world of online romance.

‍