Finding your special someone online can be an exciting experience. But it is essential to ensure you know who you’re talking to before taking things further. Luckily, there are a few easy and effective ways to get to know your potential match on the web with confidence.
What is Online Dating, And How Is It Gaining Popularity?
Online dating has become increasingly popular in the last few years as people look for more convenient and time-efficient ways to meet potential partners. It is a great way to meet potential dates outside your social circle, and it also provides the opportunity to get to know someone better before meeting them in person.
Always try to find the best online dating services with features that enable you to verify the identity of your potential matches.
Many times single mothers want to get their match and should use online dating services that specialize in finding matches for single mothers so they can avoid ending up with the wrong kind of person.
Here’s our helpful guide composed of 10 tips on how to “stalk” the person you’re about to go on a first date with the *right* way.
Tip #1: Start with a simple Google search
To conduct a basic search, go to www.google.com, type in your match’s name in the search bar, and hit “Enter” or click the search button. Look for social media profiles, news articles, or professional profiles that your match may have made publicly available. If you need better results, refine your search by using quotation marks, adding keywords, or using advanced search options. While this is a good starting point, remember that only some things you find online may be accurate, so verify the information with other sources whenever possible.
Tip #2: Check social media profiles
It suggests checking your online dating match’s social media profiles to get to know them better. Popular social media platforms include Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, and TikTok. To find your match’s profiles, search for their name on each platform or look for links to their profiles in Google search results. When looking at their profiles, please pay attention to their profile pictures, the content they post, their interests and hobbies, and the people they follow or are friends with. This can help you better understand who they are and what they’re like. However, remember that social media can be curated to present a particular image, so don’t assume that everything you see on their profiles is the whole truth.
Tip #3: Look up their phone number
Step 3 suggests looking up your online dating match’s phone number and learning more about them. If you have their phone number, you can use search engines like Google or specialized websites like White pages to see if any public information is available, such as their name, address, or social media profiles. You can also use a reverse phone lookup service to find out who the phone number is registered to. However, remember that only some have their phone number publicly available, and some people may use a different phone number for online dating than the one they use in their personal life. As always, be cautious with any information you find and use it as a starting point for getting to know your match better.
Tip #4: Use a people search engine
Tip #4 suggests using a people search engine to find information about your online dating match. Famous people search engines include Spokeo, PeekYou, and BeenVerified. To use these engines, enter your match’s name, phone number, or email address, and the engine will search public records and other online sources for information on your match. You can expect to find information such as their contact details, employment history, social media profiles, and more.
Tip #5: Check their criminal record
Tip #5 recommends checking your match’s criminal record, which you can do by using public databases like the National Sex Offender Public Website or county courthouse websites. It’s essential to do this to ensure that your match doesn’t have a criminal history that could put you in danger. When interpreting the results of your search, please pay attention to the nature and severity of any offenses and when and where they occurred.
Tip #6: Find out where they work
Tip #6 suggests using LinkedIn to find out where your match works, which can give you more insight into their professional life—knowing where your match works can also help you verify their employment status and income. Use the information you find to learn more about their career and to ask them relevant questions about their job.
Tip #7: Look for mutual connections
Tip #7 recommends looking for mutual connections on social media, which can help you learn more about your match and potentially even provide a reference for them. You can use platforms like Facebook or LinkedIn to search for mutual friends or colleagues and reach out to them to ask if they know your match. Mutual connections also allow you to ask for their opinion on your match’s character.
Tip #8: Use a background check service
Tip #8 suggests using a background check service to gather more detailed information about your match. Popular background check services include Instant Checkmate and Intelius. These services can provide you with more in-depth information on your match’s criminal record, employment history, education, and more.
Tip #9: Use common sense
Tip #9 emphasizes the importance of using common sense while online dating. Listen to your gut and take steps to protect yourself, such as meeting in a public place for the first time, not sharing personal information too quickly, and avoiding giving out financial information. If you suspect something is wrong, don’t ignore your instincts; seek help if necessary.
Tip #10: Ask your match directly
Tip #10 recommends asking your match directly if you have concerns or questions about their background. Approach the conversation in a respectful and non-accusatory way, and be prepared to share your information. If your match is uncooperative or refuses to answer your questions, take that as a red flag and consider ending the relationship.
Importance of staying safe while online dating
With the tips provided above, one can get to know their date before meeting up in person and make sure that they are making a good decision. Staying safe while online dating is essential; it’s important to ensure that your date isn’t a scammer or someone with malicious intentions. By following the tips above, one can better understand their potential match and make sure they stay safe while online dating.
Explanation of stalking and its potential dangers
Stalking is an unwanted and intentional behavior that causes emotional or physical harm to its target. It can include following, harassing, monitoring, or threatening someone. Stalkers often use technology such as GPS tracking apps or social media platforms to monitor their victims’ activities.
They may also spread lies about the victim or threaten them with violence if they don’t comply with their demands. Stalkers can cause significant psychological and physical damage to their victims, so they must be aware of the potential dangers.
If you or someone you know is being stalked, contact the police immediately. Knowing the warning signs of stalking (such as repeated unwanted calls, messages, and emails) and taking the necessary steps to protect yourself is essential. Stalking can escalate quickly, so it is vital to handle potential threats seriously and seek help if needed.
You should also know how to avoid online dating scams. Always use caution when meeting someone online, and never give out personal information such as your address, credit card number, or bank details. Additionally, do not send money to someone you have not yet met.
Conclusion
Online dating can be a great way to meet new people, but it’s essential to stay safe while doing so. Following the tips in this article can help you get to know your date better and stay safe. Additionally, it’s essential to be aware of the potential dangers of stalking and take any threats seriously. With suitable precautions, online dating can be an enjoyable experience and a great way to meet new people.
