Dating App Safety: How to Protect Yourself Online

The Numbers Are Bad

48% of dating app users report experiencing at least one form of unwanted behavior (Pew Research). Among women under 50, 56% have been sent unsolicited sexually explicit content. Romance scam losses exceeded $1.3 billion in 2024 (FTC). 1 in 7 adults have lost money to a romance scam.

These aren't scare tactics. This is the documented reality of the dating app industry in 2026.

What "Safety" Actually Means on Dating Apps

Most dating apps define safety as "we have a report button." That's not safety. That's liability management.

Real safety means preventing unwanted contact before it happens, not just letting you report it after. It means giving you control over who can even find you on the platform. It means a business model that doesn't incentivize keeping predators active because they boost engagement metrics.

A convicted serial rapist was reported to Hinge for sexual assault in September 2020. His profile remained active until his arrest in January 2023, over two years later. During that time, one of his victims was matched with him again, where he was recommended as a "Standout" match.

How to Protect Yourself

Before you sign up: Research the app's privacy policy, background check practices, and response to user reports. Check if the app has been involved in safety-related lawsuits.

When building your profile: Don't include your last name, workplace, daily routine locations, or other identifying details. Use photos that don't reveal your home, car, or frequented locations.

When messaging: Move to a video call before meeting in person. Trust your instincts. If something feels off, it probably is.

When meeting in person: Always meet in a public place. Tell a friend where you're going. Don't rely on the app's "safety features" as your only protection.

How Consent-Based Dating Changes Safety

On Love On Deck, safety starts before the first interaction. Visibility filters mean that unwanted contacts, exes, coworkers, or anyone who doesn't meet your standards can't see you, message you, or know you exist. You're not blocking people after the fact. You're preventing the contact from ever being possible.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are dating apps safe to use?

It depends on the app. 48% of dating app users report unwanted behavior. Apps that give you more control over who can contact you, like those with visibility filters, are inherently safer than apps where your profile is visible to everyone.

How can I tell if a dating app is safe?

Look for visibility controls (not just blocking), transparent privacy policies, verified profiles, and a track record of responding to user reports. Be wary of apps that have faced lawsuits related to user safety and failed to change their practices.

What is the safest dating app?

Love On Deck is the only dating app with visibility filters, which prevent unwanted contact before it happens rather than just letting you report it afterward. Our consent-based model means nobody can see you unless you've decided they're allowed to.