Though initially technology was supposed to help people overcome the constraints associated with dating, say, the need to travel, a limited number of singles in the area, and a busy work schedule, unfortunately, mobile dating apps have increased the risk of sexual and violent victimization. Today the problem has become so evident that mass media and researchers start to discuss it quite openly.
Mobile apps are sometimes misused for requesting intimacy and sex without the consent of another app user; for sending sexually explicit content; for asking for and sharing sexually explicit images. Some individuals can use technologies to blackmail, bribe, or threaten users, or even intentionally suggest a meeting so as to sexually or physically assault someone.
Let’s look at what the stats say about this problem.
Mobile Harassment Is Gendered
Several studies prove that sexual and violent offending is gendered. Women more often become the victims, and men are mostly offenders. Perhaps one of the reasons for this trend is the difference in the motives for using mobile dating apps. Women usually search for friendship and serious relationships, and men are more interested in sex.
There are two Instagram pages, Bye Felipe and Tinder Nightmares, which gather examples of online harassment, cyberstalking, and image-based sexual exploitation that happened through mobile dating apps. The research of posts on Tinder Nightmares found out that harassing messages sent by men were often aimed at making a female subordinate. Rejection made such men often respond with threats of sexual violence and trying to manifest their dominance.
Why Mobile Dating Apps Can Be Dangerous
- Accessibility of new people. On the one hand, mobile dating apps place communication with remote users at the end of our fingertips. You can find dozens of matches in a very short time, exchange information and media. On the other hand, this accessibility can also provide a means for online sexual harassment, cyberstalking, and image-based requests for sex.
- Anonymous options. Mobile dating is a perfect option for introverts who feel too shy to get acquainted offline. Now, they can chat, find a partner with similar interests and only then go on an offline date. Yet, some individuals can provide false information about their name, bio, appearance, age, occupation, and even interests just to make somebody meet him or her offline.
- Geolocation. Many mobile dating apps leverage GPS to track the location of users and suggest matches based on geographical vicinity. While this factor can encourage people to meet offline and get to know each other better, it also gives some users the tool to monitor the relocation of another user and find places to offend him/her. Some apps are infamous for disclosing such information even to non-users.
- Ease of access. Sometimes dating apps are totally free, which is good to increase the number of users and elevate the chances of meeting the One. However, easy access to a dating app also opens doors to criminals and offenders.
How Can a Woman Protect Herself From Sexual Offending
Though mobile dating apps can pose a risk of sexual offending, many women use them to meet local men and start a serious relationship. For sure, there are individuals who can spoil all the impression of online dating (and can actually be potentially dangerous), yet, mobile apps still can be used for good purposes as well. There are a few things a woman can do to ensure her safety while using such tools.
Checklist of things to do online
- Use apps that verify users and request them to prove their personality with photos and SN accounts.
- Read profile info precisely and start chatting online before going offline.
- Check particular safety features of dating apps (read more about it in our next post).
- Choose paid dating apps as they are less favorable for offenders.
- Get online in different spots of the city to prevent the app from identifying your exact location.
- Avoid websites that allow sending messages to anyone.
- Use unique photos for your dating app to prevent users from searching you by images.
- Limit the amount of personal info that you disclose: don’t share your last name, contacts, or social media accounts.
Checklist of safety measures before an offline date
Take some precaution measures on an offline meeting.
- Before going on a date, even with the guy that seems trustworthy and fine, check that your mobile phone is fully charged.
- Tell your family members or close friends about your date, including the place and time.
- Choose public places for dating to avoid any sex requests on the first date.
This is just a shortlist of precaution measures. Next time, we will share a detailed list of things you can do to stay safe while dating with a mobile app. Remember that there is nothing wrong with being careful about your safety. A truly sympathetic person will understand and appreciate your desire to create a safe environment for the two of you.