Online dating is now the most common form of dating in Australia with two thirds of current active daters using online apps and websites. Almost one quarter of all Australians who have dated in the last couple of years met their partner through online dating.

But research shows it’s an endurance game. Singles average around 30 dates before finding a partner. That’s a lot of opportunities for things to go wrong.

According to the Australian Government’s 2022 eSafety survey, 70% of adults surveyed had at least one negative online experience in the previous 12 months including being sent inappropriate content and having their online accounts accessed without their consent.

So, it’s important to be aware of the risks and how to reduce them.

Some of the key risks are listed below:

• Fake profiles using stolen photos or false information, which can lead to emotional manipulation and financial scams. In one major online dating study, 38% of participants said they had fallen for a fake profile.
• The leaking or misuse of personal or identifying information.
• Risks to physical safety including stalking.
• The person you are dating suddenly cutting off all communication without explanation (ghosting), which can have emotional and psychological impacts.

The risks of online dating apply to everyone who uses dating apps and websites. Rita, 47 of Glenelg, invited a date to her home and later found out they had charges against them. “That was really scary,” she said. “I never let anyone I don’t know come to my home now, and I do my research before I date someone.”

There are some simple ways to improve your safety when online dating. To find out how, visit the Dating/first date page on the South Australia Police website or head to the Online dating page on the Australian Government’s eSafety website.