How to spot red flags when dating online

Mitzi Santos

April 3, 2020

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  Now that the current generation is very much exposed to the advent of technology, the dating pattern has been relatively affected by the availability of numerous dating apps.

  Dating apps have been very much available to everyone. Online dating starts with just simply swiping right, getting a match and seeing the conversation take off. There are hundreds or even thousands of options right at your fingertips. Technology made dating, hooking up, and even widening your network easy. What could go wrong? In line with this high-tech dating setup comes the dangers of meeting people online who are only catfishing.

  Catfishing is when someone is being lured into a relationship by means of a fictional online persona for a sexual gain or to get money from the victim but sometimes it could be both. How do you spot red flags when dating online?

  Limited photos and info on bio

  Sometimes profiles can be too good to be true. Check the photos. If there are limited photos on the profile and very limited information on the bio, then this must be a huge red flag. How come one person can’t fill in his bio on a dating app if his main purpose is to have the opposite gender get attracted to him? Bios and photos play a huge role in getting swiped right at since these are the only basis potential dates have of you for now.

  They never want to show their face

  This is a major red flag. The only reason for someone to not engage on virtual meet ups or meeting in-person is when they are hiding their true identity and they tend to come up with unlimited alibis just to prevent doing so. When this happens, it’s time to take a step back because chances are, you are being catfished.

  On and off plans with the person

  In order to lure you, they will do everything just to make you believe that he is really invested in you and your budding relationship. First, they will make you believe that your online relationship is all perfectly set up. Don’t get overwhelmed because chances are, these plans will soon be cancelled and his alibi? It’s because of a demanding job, a sickness, or anything fictitious.

  Suspicious social media profiles

  Having a social media presence doesn’t guarantee you anything. Anyone can make an e-mail, create a Facebook account and so on. Be extra careful. If the profile has a limited uploaded photo, few friends added, and few posts on the timeline, then it is most likely a poser account. In other cases, these people don’t even have any social media accounts. It pays to be extra vigilant these days since social media platforms are always available to everyone. It’s better to be safe than sorry.

  Your relationship escalates quickly

  If your new match seems to be pushing the relationship forward without meeting you yet, then this must alarm you. Not when you two just matched online and haven’t really gotten the chance to formally meet in person. No one who has a good intention towards you can be this pushy at an early stage.

  Since everything is already online, it’s not bad to be extra vigilant when engaging with anyone online. You must really be watchful of any red flags that will appear from the start or even along the way. Relationship 101: It’s always better to be safe than sorry.

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