Many people have resorted to online dating simply because they are dissatisfied with the type of people they are drawn to in the real world. Online dating allows people to formally introduce themselves to a world of prospective partners with the aim of achieving a successful relationship.
The online dating process can, however, be a double-edged sword. On the one hand, it allows an individual to portray themselves in such a way that they are then able to present the truest version of themselves to the world. On the other hand, it is an opportunity to scam vulnerable people.
While some people achieve successful relationships through online dating, others are not as lucky. Therefore, similar to every other way to date, online dating has its advantages and disadvantages. It is for this reason that a key step in the online dating process is researching your prospective date before you meet.
So, here are 5 reasons why you should do some research on your online date before you decide to meet.
- To avoid falling prey to false identity
According to Dating Life’s Joanne McGraw, people tend to misrepresent themselves by using misleading photographs or lying about their age, marital status, or job. All of these play an important role in determining your interest in pursuing a relationship with someone.
It can be very terrifying to find out that your partner is in a relationship or has several children with numerous partners that he/she does not support. Perhaps, he/she was an abusive partner or is a member of a gang. Researching a person before a date can help you detect lies early on so that you can avoid getting played. Searching their social media profiles on Facebook, Twitter, Snapchat, and Instagram can also go a long way.
If nothing suspicious turns up but you still feel doubtful, try Nuwber, TruthFinder, PeopleFinders, or Pipl. These people search websites will conduct a search of publicly available information concerning the person in question.
- To see if they have criminal records
Angela Melero, executive editor of The Zoe Report suggests that potential dates might have criminal records that they neglected to mention. A simple google search could unearth a lot about a person.
How terrifying is it to find out that your partner is a known criminal or sex offender? People with dark past are great at hiding their personalities, and your next online date could be a wolf in sheep’s clothing. Too many people have fallen prey to dangerously twisted individuals all in the name of looking for love, so you can’t ever be too careful.
The internet is a perfect place to begin your search just so you know a little bit more about the person behind that unassuming smile.
- To avoid potentially dangerous red flags
Researching a person could reveal red flags from their past. A red flag suggests that there is something in the person’s past or present that you may be uncomfortable with.
When we fall head over heels for someone, we tend to ignore the red flags, but that in itself should be a red flag.
For example, if your potential date is excessively critical of an ex or constantly makes fun of others, it may suggest that they will criticize your every move and quickly highlight your faults without offering useful advice on how you could improve.
Another one of the biggest red flags is a person’s constant need to make everything about themselves. If the majority of their sentences begin with “I”, then they are only interested in themselves. You will never become a priority in their lives.
These red flags serve as evidence against your compatibility with them. To be successful in your relationships, you must address these problems upfront. Because, although we all have faults, it is highly unlikely that a person will change without self-awareness and commitment.
- To find an icebreaker
Researching your prospective date provides information that can be useful in conversation with them, which could help you become more comfortable during the meeting.
Information on shared contacts or hobbies, for example, could help you break the ice. You might be surprised to know that your potential date is also searching you. Nowadays, it is common practice to use Google to find out more about a person.
However, it would be unnecessary to mention to your date that you have googled them or used people search sites to get more information about them. It could scare the person.
- To evaluate compatibility
Face-to-face interaction provides information that is unavailable through online chatting because nonverbal cues are absent. Nonverbal cues can tell you a lot about a person. It is for this reason that it is so difficult to evaluate a potential match through online chatting.
A face-to-face conversation could help you learn about your potential date’s preferences, tastes, opinions, values, and views, and see if they match yours. Additionally, some people tend to be more open and communicative in real life, especially extroverts.
Interaction in real life is the best way to know someone. It could help you make up your mind about whether the person you are on a date with is good for you or whether you should find someone better. Be picky, but do not be too hard on yourself. If you think that your date is who you have been looking for your entire life, give them a chance.
Conclusion
Overall, it is important to remember that while some have reported success with online dating, it is not without its drawbacks. Precautions need to be taken to safeguard oneself from online predators.
The best way to do that is to conduct thorough research on your prospective dates. If you become overwhelmed with the process, remember why you started and let that inspire you to persevere.
You may have to go through a few matches before you find a good fit for you, but remember to consider the reasons above, trust your subconscious feelings, and find peace in knowing that you did all in your power to protect yourself against predators. Remember, it is always better to be safe than sorry.
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