Facebook Dating is a relatively new feature on Facebook that allows users to connect with potential romantic matches. As with any online dating platform, safety should always be a top concern. Here we’ll explore some of the potential risks of using Facebook Dating and provide tips for staying safe while meeting new people.
What is Facebook Dating?
Facebook Dating launched in the United States in 2019 after being tested in other countries. It’s built right into the Facebook app, but your Facebook Dating profile is separate from your normal Facebook profile. You create a dating profile with information about yourself and your preferences for potential matches. You can browse other users’ profiles, match with people, and message matches through a special Dating chat feature.
A few things that make Facebook Dating unique:
- It doesn’t match you with your existing Facebook friends, only with strangers.
- It’s opt-in only. Your Facebook friends won’t know you have a Dating profile unless you tell them.
- It uses your Facebook data and preferences to recommend matches for you.
- It allows you to integrate your Instagram posts directly into your Dating profile.
The fact that it’s built into the Facebook app makes it convenient for people who already use Facebook regularly. But it also means more potential dates compared to niche dating apps.
Is Facebook Dating safe for personal information?
Whenever you’re using an online dating platform, disclosing any personal information carries risks. Here are some factors to consider regarding privacy on Facebook Dating:
- Your Facebook Dating profile is separate from your Facebook profile. Nothing you put on your dating profile appears on your regular timeline.
- You control what information you want to add to your dating profile. You don’t have to disclose anything you’re not comfortable with.
- Facebook Dating doesn’t share your actual location. It only shows the approximate neighborhood or city you’re located in.
- You can report and block anyone at any time who is being inappropriate.
- Facebook has security teams that work to detect and disable fake accounts or activity that violates their policies.
Facebook claims they won’t sell data from Facebook Dating to third parties or use it to target ads. But some experts caution that Facebook doesn’t have the best reputation when it comes to protecting user data.
What are the risks of Facebook Dating scams?
Scammers frequently target dating sites and apps looking for potential victims. Here are some common scams to watch out for:
- Romance scams – A scammer pretends to be interested in a relationship but eventually asks for money for an “emergency” or other made-up reason.
- Catfishing – Someone pretends to be someone they’re not using fake photos and information. Their motive is often romance scams or collecting personal data.
- Sexual exploitation – Scammers manipulate victims into compromising situations like sharing intimate photos/videos which they then use for blackmail.
- Spam or malware links – Scammers send links to phishing sites to steal personal information or implant malware on your device.
The risk comes if you move communication with a match off Facebook Dating. Vet anyone you meet carefully before trusting them with personal details or meeting them in person.
Is it safe to meet Facebook Dating matches in person?
Meeting someone in person that you only know from online always carries a degree of risk. Here are some tips for safely meeting Facebook Dating matches:
- Vet them thoroughly beforehand. Video chat if possible to confirm they match their profile.
- Meet for the first time in a populated, public place – never at home.
- Drive yourself or arrange your own transportation to and from the meeting spot.
- Tell a friend where you’re going and when you expect to be back.
- Don’t share your real phone number or other contact info until you know them better.
- Don’t go home with them or invite them over on a first date.
- Watch your drink at all times and don’t accept drinks that you didn’t see poured.
- Have an exit strategy if you feel uncomfortable – don’t feel pressured to stay.
Trust your instincts. If you get any bad feeling about them, leave the situation immediately.
How to report and block on Facebook Dating
If you encounter inappropriate, abusive or suspicious behavior from any match:
- Report them within the app. This will unmatch you from them immediately.
- Block them so they can’t view your profile or contact you again.
- Report them to Facebook as well so they can investigate and potentially disable the account.
Don’t hesitate to report any activity that violates Facebook’s terms around harassment, spam, impersonation, etc. Taking action helps protect yourself and others.
Conclusion
Facebook Dating does have some safety measures built in, but there are still risks whenever engaging with strangers online. Protect yourself by being cautious about what information you share and who you agree to meet. Vet matches thoroughly, meet in public places, and don’t hesitate to report any suspicious activity.
With vigilance and common sense around personal safety, Facebook Dating can be used successfully to meet potential partners. But always put your safety first when interacting with new matches.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Built into platform people already use regularly (Facebook) | Less vetting than paid dating sites |
| Easy to protect personal information | Facebook’s spotty reputation with data privacy |
| Control over profile information shared | Risk of scammers/catfish |
| Can report/block concerning activity | Meeting strangers still risky |
Facebook Dating offers convenience for people who already use Facebook regularly. But users should take the same precautions they would on any dating site or app when interacting with matches.
Safety Tips
- Don’t include personal contact info or location in profile
- Vet matches thoroughly before meeting in person
- Meet first dates in public places, not at home
- Tell friends about plans to meet someone new
- Watch for typical online dating red flags and scams
- Don’t send money to someone you haven’t met in person
- Don’t hesitate to report bad behavior within the app
Outlook
Facebook Dating provides a platform for meeting potential partners conveniently within an app people already use regularly. But it’s still vitally important for users to protect their privacy and exercise caution when engaging with matches. Always put your personal safety first. With vigilance, Facebook Dating can successfully help singles connect in the digital age.