
Recent reports of a Mpumalanga-based man who confessed to allegedly murdering five women he met on Facebook have again brought safety concerns around online dating to the fore.
Research suggests that these concerns are warranted: According to a report by international anti-virus firm, Kaspersky, as many as one in three people are dating online, approximately 57% of online daters have admitted to being dishonest and about 55% have experienced some sort of threat or problem while dating online.
“Online dating sites have revolutionised the world of dating. It’s a fun and easy way to meet people without even having to leave your house. That said, the reality is that one should be cautious when engaging and meeting with strangers. You should be aware of the dangers associated with online dating, be clued up on the warning signs and be extra vigilant so that you can protect yourself if the need arises,” says Casey Rousseau from 1st for Women Insurance.
Tips to make your online dating experience a safe one:
- Make sure that you are using a reputable dating or social media site. Do an online search to find out about other users’ experiences with the site.