Online Dating Safety “He Sent a Wink — But Was It Really Him?”

What if that profile pic hides more than a bad angle? Learn how to protect your privacy, spot scams, and meet safely.

“From Chat to Check-In: Stay Safe Before You Strip Down”

That profile pic looks real. The banter’s on point. He says he’s nearby and looking for the same thing.

But before you plan the meet, here’s the truth: not every guy online is what he seems. And for gay, bi, curious, and queer men — the risks hit different.

It’s not about fear. It’s about being clever. Because the fun doesn’t count if it ends in regret.

“What Could Go Wrong? A Lot More Than Bad Sexts”

• Harassment & Hate: Not all messages are welcome. Some are weaponised. Hate speech, harassment — it’s still out there.
• Data Drama: Your HIV status, your location, your likes — ever wonder where it all goes? Some apps have shared way too much.
• Sextortion & Scams: He chats you up, then demands money. Or threatens to leak pics. Real threats, real consequences.
• Offline Trouble: Some matches lure you out and leave you vulnerable. Assaults, setups, theft — it’s not paranoia if it happens.

KEY TAKEAWAY: You’re not being dramatic. You’re being smart.

“Lock It Down Before You Open Up”

• Strong Passwords & 2FA: If your password’s guessable, so are your secrets. Add 2FA. No excuses.
• Think Before You Share: Don’t spill your full name, address, job or habits. Keep it vague until it’s earned.
• Photos Tell on You: That selfie with your office in the background? Delete. Clues live in pixels.
• Privacy Settings: Location fuzzing, profile visibility, ad tracking — dive into your settings and control them.
• Use a VPN: Especially on public Wi-Fi. One more lock on your door.
• Keep It in the App: Messaging inside encrypted platforms like HER or Taimi is safer than texting randoms.

KEY TAKEAWAY: You can be sexy and secure. They’re not opposites.

“Meeting Up? Stay Cute, Stay Covered”

• Pick Public, Always: That first coffee shouldn’t need Google Maps and pepper spray.
• Tell a Mate: Text them his name, the time, and where you’re headed.
• Guard Your Drink & Your Gear: Don’t let your pint — or your phone — wander.
• Keep Your Wits: First dates aren’t the time to blackout. Stay sharp.
• Sort Your Exit: Know how you’re getting home. And it shouldn’t be in his car.

KEY TAKEAWAY: Confidence looks better than caution tape.

“The Law’s Finally Watching — But It’s Still Your Job to Care”

The UK Online Safety Act (2023) is forcing platforms to:

• Act faster on hate speech, abuse, and illegal content.
• Give you better tools to block, report, and verify.
• Be clearer about how they use your data.

But will it fix everything? Not yet. You’re still your first line of defence.

“When It Goes Wrong — Don’t Go Quiet”

• Report & Block: Use app tools. Stop them from hurting you or anyone else.
• Document Everything: Screenshots. Times. Receipts.
• Reach Out: Galop and other LGBTQ+ services exist for this exact reason.
• Call the Police If You Need To: Some threats are more than shady — they’re criminal.

“Date Smart, Not Sorry”

No, this isn’t a buzzkill. It’s your backstage pass to dating that doesn’t wreck you.

Check your settings. Trust your gut. Tell someone where you’re going. Keep your standards higher than your heartbeat.

Swipe with intention. Meet with clarity. Hook up with a plan.

You don’t need luck — you need the right kind of caution.

And then? Enjoy every damn second of the good bits.