Meeting new people through dating apps is a great way to connect, find love, or simply enjoy new experiences.
To make this journey enjoyable, fun, and safe, it’s important to follow a few simple principles. We’ve gathered some tips to help you feel secure and protect your privacy — both in online conversations and during your first meeting.
Maintaining privacy and anonymity
Privacy is the freedom to choose how and when to share yourself — and it’s the first step toward a calm and safe experience.
- Don’t share overly personal details such as your last name, exact address, workplace, or phone number.
- Upload photos that are different from those on your social media profiles to avoid immediate recognition.
-
Avoid posting photos with location data (GPS) or live photos that could reveal your whereabouts.
Identity verification – preventing impersonation
When you know who you’re talking to, everything feels safer. A few simple steps can help you avoid unpleasant surprises:
- To verify the authenticity of the person you’re chatting with, use Atraf “Shorts” — a feature that lets you send a short live-recorded video or request one from another user as part of the chat.
- If the conversation is progressing but you still don’t feel completely safe, you can ask your partner for their social media profile — a genuine presence can be a good sign of authenticity.
- Check whether the profile is new or established, and make sure its content doesn’t seem odd or suspicious.
Safe conversation
Before you start opening up to each other, make sure the conversation takes place in a private and secure environment:
First Meeting
Want the first meeting to be fun and safe? With a few smart steps, it’s totally possible:
- Always meet in a public, well-lit place with lots of people – like a café, restaurant, or a central park.
-
It’s better not to meet at a private home for the first meeting and not to invite someone to your home.
- Make sure you arrive independently so you can leave whenever you want.
- Avoid excessive alcohol or substances that could impair your judgment.
- Share with someone close to you and trust your intuition.
Always trust your feelings. If in doubt, talk to a close friend – another perspective can be helpful:
- Tell a friend or family member who you're meeting, when, and where.
- Share the location of the meeting in real-time to feel more secure.
- If something feels wrong – just leave. Your intuition is your best way to protect yourself.
- If something unpleasant happens, report it in the app and block the user. If needed, contact the appropriate authorities.
Beware of Scams and Manipulations
Is someone pressuring you, demanding, or asking for money? Stop right there. Here’s how to spot red flags and protect yourself:
- Keep your personal exposure to a minimum – the less personal information you share, the safer you'll be. Don’t share passwords, credit card details, or sensitive information.
- Be wary of scams and emotional manipulations – requests for money, rapid emotional pressure, or exaggerated personal stories are significant red flags.
- Share with someone close to you – a friend, family member, or roommate can offer another perspective and support your decisions.
- Agree on a signal with someone close – for example, a text message or phone call during the meeting to ensure you can get help or leave quickly if needed.
Managing Expectations and Emotional Boundaries
To feel good about yourself and the new connection, it’s important to set clear boundaries: