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Social networking apps and websites have become a fixture of modern dating for many people. A range of apps and sites are available for people looking to meet for dates, friendships and casual sexual encounters. Smartphone apps such as Grindr, Findhrr and Tinder offer meet-up opportunities for people seeking same-sex or mixed-sex dates and encounters, using GPS location software to indicate other users nearby. Although the technology is new, using services to find potential partners is not, and in many ways technology offers an extension of traditional magazine contact ads or \u2018introduction agencies\u2019.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n Apps and sites have become particularly popular with some LGBT people, offering an easy way of knowing whether potential partners share the same sexual orientation, or a space where people can choose to disclose their gender identity prior to meeting. For many people online services and apps allow them to seek a certain type of partner, or one with similar interests, which can feel easier than hoping to meet their \u2018ideal match\u2019 in a bar or club. Some people enjoy the opportunity to find a quick, nearby, casual sexual hook-up, whilst other profiles indicate users prefer to meet for a drink or dinner date before getting romantic.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Apps can be a healthy and happy addition to dating or casual sex, and have helped many people improve their confidence around dating and \u2018chatting up\u2019 people they fancy. Some users report easier access to potential partners who prefer specific physical attributes, sexual practices, or social interests for example. However, just like dating in the \u2018real\u2019 world, \u2018virtual\u2019 dating online and on apps can carry some personal safety risks, or be a target for hate crime.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Some users have reported experiencing harassment from other app and website users. This can include bullying, intimidation, belittling, or threats to expose personal information or intimate photos and videos you may have shared. Most service providers have a function to block and report this, although persistent harassment may occur if the other person creates a new user account and profile.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Meeting somebody new for the first time always carries a degree of risk, although the vast majority of people who go on dates or meet casual sexual partners do so safely. Even though you may have been chatting to the other person through a messaging service for some time, you only know what they have told you about themselves, and they may not be telling the truth. Someone\u2019s online persona may be very different to how they are in real life, particularly if you have felt strongly attracted to them.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n There have been a number of news stories where apps and websites have been used to target LGBT people in hate crime attacks. These include people posing as LGBT people to find another LGBT person to assault or rob. In some cases one person has met the LGBT person they are targeting, and others have later joined them in gang attacks. In countries where LGBT people experience fewer rights or where same-sex relationships are illegal, apps have been used to attack LGBT people or to extort money or goods from them with threats to out them.<\/p>\n There are a number of actions and behaviours you can consider to make app use and online dating safer. Some of these are general personal safety considerations, and some specific to developing technology.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Some people can find using apps and online sites compulsive. They can be great for your confidence, and help you meet new partners and friends, but remember to keep them in perspective. It can be more satisfying going out with friends, or to do an activity you enjoy like going to the gym or the cinema than checking in every few minutes \u2018just in case\u2019 you miss that \u2018perfect\u2019 person.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Apps and dating websites can add a lot of fun to our social and sex lives, but if something does go wrong when you chat to or meet somebody think about whether this could be a hate crime, and consider reporting it. This can lead to the perpetrator being prosecuted and reduce the risk of them doing it again. You can also seek support to help you talk it through and deal with your feelings afterwards.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n To report a hate crime contact our friends Galop on 020 7704 2040<\/strong> or visit www.galop.org.uk<\/a><\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n We've teamed up with Galop and Survivors UK to produce this new information about chemsex and consent. Read it here<\/a>.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Staying safe using apps & dating sites Social networking apps and websites have become a fixture of modern dating for many people. A range of apps and sites are available for people looking to meet for dates, friendships and … Continue reading ![\"cell](\"http:\/\/londonfriend.org.uk\/2012\/2012\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/cell-phone-gps.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\nHarassment<\/span><\/h2>\n
Personal Safety<\/span><\/h2>\n
Targeted Hate Crime<\/span><\/h2>\n
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Tips for safer app and dating site use<\/span><\/h2>\n
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Online Tips<\/span><\/h2>\n
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Offline Tips<\/span><\/h2>\n
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Take a break<\/span><\/h2>\n
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Reporting a hate crime and getting support<\/span><\/h2>\n
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Chemsex & consent<\/span><\/h2>\n
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