Making International Dating Work Despite the Risks

The human brain is wired to be lazy.

Even when we move, science has proven that we naturally choose to do it in the easiest, most energy-saving way possible.

This is one of the reasons why we developed technology and created the internet; so we could do things within the luxury and comfort of our own homes without excessively overworking ourselves.

The same goes for finding love. Nowadays, the majority of us no longer go out and personally look for a partner. Instead, we take our search for love online.

People and Online Dating

In a survey conducted by Pew Research Center about online dating, researchers found out the following:

Among the 4, 860 US adult participants,

• Three in ten or 30% of the respondents have been using dating apps;
• One in ten or 12% of them have been in committed relationships or married someone they met through online dating; and
• Generally, 57% of the respondents stated an overall positive experience, whether or not they formed relationships through online dating apps.

Some people opt to date online because of its availability. With it being an online activity, it is available across multiple devices at all times and can be easily accessed wherever you are.

Others prefer it more than the traditional way of dating because of its immediacy and convenience. With a click of your mouse and a tap on your phone, you can meet people faster and more efficiently.

Whatever reasons other people may have, the bottom line is that online dating has become a widespread and perhaps a favored means of dating.

Due to its popularity, it has a high influx of users. Unfortunately, not everyone who signs up on dating apps and sites has good intentions.

The Real Dangers of Online Dating

Though others might say they had a good experience with online dating, it is not a guarantee you will experience the same. That said, it’s important to stay vigilant and prepared for whatever you might experience if you intend to try online dating.

1. Verification

One of the main reasons why the use of online dating sites and apps is dangerous can be associated with the fact that anyone can sign up for them.

There's little to no identity verification process from these sites. Not to mention, most of them commonly rely on self-attested information.

For instance, they only ask for your name, age, city, and who you're interested in meeting — information that can be fabricated. A person can easily conjure lies and a made-up persona when filling up profile information.

With that, there’s a possibility that whoever you’re chatting with isn’t who they say they are.

2. Large pool

With the large availability of dates, online dating can become more of a shopping experience than an emotional and interpersonal one.

What this means: While forming a relationship is definitely possible in online dating, there’s also a high probability of you meeting someone that doesn’t have the same goal as you.

Someone might just be swiping around and matching with people randomly, making use of the large pool of possible matches.

Additionally, having this large pool makes people indecisive and disloyal.

For instance, even though you're already matched and talking with someone, the idea or just knowing that there are still other options available will continuously make you second guess your choice.

This is probably where the term ghosting originated. You ghost the other person so you can entertain another, and the cycle repeats itself. Similar to a shopaholic on a shopping spree, you become insatiable.

3. Money-seeker

Romance scams are not a new occurrence in the online dating world.

If people can be easily scammed out of their money in person, how much more when there’s a veil of anonymity in the communication?

Here’s the scenario: After a few messages, your match might begin to spin a story and put themselves in a position of need. And with the feeling of romance, you would want to be the savior who helps her out. After all, it’s only a few dollars out of your pocket in exchange for love.

Except, you’re not the savior. You’re, in fact, the victim.

There are women – they might not even be women at all – who make money out of scamming wealthier men they find online. This is possible when the dating app or site has a lack of security and verification process. That’s why you should choose which dating apps and sites to use wisely.

Online Dating Should Build Trust

Of all the online dating platforms available, international dating sites are among those receiving the most attention. Men who haven’t found or have given up finding love locally flock to these sites, hoping to get matched with beautiful foreign women.

Similar to any other online dating site, the same dangers and risks also come with its use. But despite these, there still exists a high demand for them from hopeful men.

Fortunately, some dating companies and international dating sites have features that mitigate those online dating risks.

A few companies have taken steps to address issues surrounding identity verification. For example, some dating sites ask users to take real-time photos of themselves following a given set of instructions.

However, despite this countermeasure, it still isn’t enough security assurance.

That’s why, aside from choosing a reliable dating site, you also need to use common sense in all your online dealings. Trust your instincts. If something doesn’t feel right, step back.

You don't have to risk your safety in the process of finding love. Likewise, you can make international dating work despite the risks. With a little research and common sense, you can have a successful online dating experience.