Tag: bots
Dating in the Digital Age
July 21, 2022Catfish, Scammers, and Bots – Oh My!
Most couples today meet online, primarily on dating apps such as Tinder and Bumble. These apps facilitate access to potential partners and have all but replaced the more “organic” ways of meeting people. Distance is no longer a limiting factor in beginning and maintaining relationships. Studies have even shown that there are lasting benefits for relationships that originate on dating apps. Perhaps the biggest benefit of utilizing these apps is their matchmaking algorithms. These algorithms help users find their most compatible match in an endless sea of potential candidates. Shrinking your dating pool to only those who share your most important values increases the chances of forming a long-term relationship. But unfortunately, clouding that dating pool, are catfish, scammers, and bots!
Catfish…
Despite the positive impacts of online dating, there are risks involved as well. There is always the possibility of matching with a clever “catfish.” Someone who is pretending to be someone they are not. Catfish hook their victims by altering their photos to look differently than they do in person. Or they steal another person’s photos and/or identity entirely to appear like the perfect catch.
Scammers and Bots…
Even worse, your match might not even be a person at all! Bots, which use artificial intelligence to simulate human conversation, will attract people to their dating profiles, only to scam money from them or try to obtain personal information to steal their identity. Aside from catfish, scammers, and bots, there are also real people out there. Some of them will engage in conversation and then seemingly disappear one day without a trace. This behavior, popularly known as “ghosting,” can leave you confused, worried, or heart-broken.
The good news is that there are preventative measures you can take to avoid ending up on a Netflix special such as “The Tinder Swindler” or MTV’s “Catfish.”
#1 Knowledge is Power
Keep up on the latest scams and dating trends. This can be helpful in identifying these frauds from the start. Does your “match” ask you a lot of personal questions? Are they repeatedly trying to sell you something? Inquiring deeply about your finances before you’ve had a first date? Take the time to assess your conversations and determine if anything seems fishy. Keep in mind that today’s technology allows people to edit photos, use filters, create “deepfake” videos, and more.
#2 Set Rules…And Stick to Them
Give yourself a list of rules to follow, like never sending money to anyone you’ve met online before meeting them in person. Make a timeline for how quickly you feel it’s necessary to go from chatting online, to video calling, to meeting face to face. If your match is reluctant to communicate in ways other than text messaging, there’s a good chance they are hiding something. Being firm in your boundaries will help you identify red flags. These “rules” will save you time and embarrassment down the line.
#3 Keep your Guard Up
Avoid building serious connections quickly. At least not before you’ve confirmed whether or not someone is the real deal. Allowing your emotions to cloud your judgment can make you an easy target for catfish, scammers, and bots. Set realistic expectations and tread lightly until you meet someone in person. It’s much better if you recognize you’re being fooled before you’ve chosen names for your future children.
#4 Ask the Hard Questions Early
Have that “what are you looking for” talk early on in the relationship. This will help establish whether or not you and this other person are on the same page. People flock to dating apps for all sorts of different connections, so it’s imperative you are clear about what you are looking for. Only continue conversations with people whose dating goals align with your own.
If you’re still concerned about encountering a bad apple, have a private investigator on your side. This is another measure you can take that can ease the pains of modern dating. Even the savviest daters get duped. There’s only so much you can do to protect yourself before you drive yourself mad!
Whether you want to protect your heart, your finances, or both, there’s help for you…
Private investigators have the ability to research the information provided to you by your match, such as their name, location, family, and occupation. PI’s can run background checks to help you clear any potential skeletons lingering in a person’s closet. Investigators can do a social media investigation to spot catfish or potential red flags. Merge Investigations, Inc. can also do surveillance to be sure this person is who they say they are, and confirm that they don’t have unwelcome baggage like a second family or secrets they neglected to share. If you suspect that something seems off, there probably is, and private investigators can help you find the truth.
The most important thing to remember…
Private investigation agencies are discreet. You, and only you, need to know that this is how you’re protecting yourself while Dating in the Digital Age. Private investigators are trained to be thorough and get you answers without alerting their subject. Whether it’s running a background check on your potential love interests, or having surveillance done just to be sure your online lovers aren’t phonies, we are able to tailor our investigations to your needs. With all these catfish, scammers, and bots on the loose, the gift of peace of mind is truly priceless.
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