Facebook Dating is a relatively new dating feature within the Facebook app that allows users to match and chat with other users who have also opted into using Facebook Dating. Since it is integrated directly into the Facebook app, some users may be concerned about privacy – namely, if their Facebook friends or connections will know they are using Facebook Dating. The short answer is that yes, you can use Facebook Dating secretly without your Facebook connections being notified. However, it does require being thoughtful about your settings and privacy when setting up your Facebook Dating profile.
How Facebook Dating Works
When you opt into Facebook Dating, you create a separate dating profile that is only visible to other Facebook Dating users. Your existing Facebook profile is completely separate. The information you provide in your Facebook Dating profile, such as photos, will only be visible to people when viewing your dating profile. Your dating profile and activities are not shared to the Facebook newsfeed. You also have the option to choose whether your dating profile is visible to friends of friends or just to people who are not already connected to you on Facebook.
Keeping Your Dating Profile Private
There are a few key steps you can take when setting up Facebook Dating to keep your dating profile and activities private:
Don’t link your Instagram account
When creating your Facebook Dating profile, you have the option to link your Instagram account so that your Instagram photos are also included in your dating profile. Avoid doing this if you want to keep your dating profile secret, as any of your Facebook friends who also follow you on Instagram could potentially see your dating profile photo while scrolling through Instagram.
Edit privacy settings
In the Facebook Dating privacy settings, you can choose whether you want your dating profile to be visible to only people who are not already your Facebook friends, or also available to your friends of friends. Select the option to limit visibility to only people who are not already your Facebook friends.
Don’t include employer or school information
Any information you add to your employment or education sections on your dating profile could reveal your identity. Leave these sections blank.
Use different profile photos
Do not use any of your current Facebook profile pictures or other photos also posted elsewhere linked to you. Upload different photos just for your dating profile that are not identifiable and cannot be reverse image searched.
Interacting Secretly
Once you’ve matched and start chatting with people on Facebook Dating, there are additional steps you can take to maintain privacy:
Don’t share personal info
Be cautious sharing anything too personal that could reveal your real identity, such as your last name, workplace, home neighborhood, etc. Keep the conversation topics broad at first.
Video chat, don’t meet up initially
Once you start connecting with someone, suggest video chatting before agreeing to meet up in person. This allows you to continue keeping things discrete until you feel comfortable revealng more.
Meet in neutral locations
For any in-person meetings, choose public places away from your normal haunts, where you are unlikely to run into people you know. Avoid hometown hangouts.
Don’t connect on social media
Hold off on connecting on additional social media platforms like exchanging Instagram handles or phone numbers until trust is built. Social media cross-checking could allow someone to identify you.
Using a Secondary Facebook Account
The most foolproof option for keeping your dating activities completely anonymous is to create a secondary or fake Facebook account just for using Facebook Dating. Here are some tips:
Sign up for a fresh account
Use an alternate email address and phone number not tied to your real identity to sign up for a new Facebook account. Do not friend anyone you know or follow any pages or interests connected to you.
Build out fake details
Create a name, employment, education history, and other bio details that cannot be traced back to the real you. Do not use photos of yourself – use stock photos.
Only log into this account for dating
This account should be used exclusively for dating purposes only so it remains untraceable. Do not integrate it with any other social media profiles.
Delete when done
Plan to delete this fake Facebook account after you end communicating with any dating matches for complete privacy.
Conclusion
While it requires some extra effort, precautions, and maintenance, it is possible to use Facebook Dating discreetly without revealing your dating activities to your broader social network. Limiting visibility settings, being prudent in what personal details are shared, and considering using a secondary account only for dating are key steps for maintaining privacy. With some mindful effort taken upfront in setting up your profile and interactions, Facebook Dating can be used secretly and separated from your non-dating social media presence.