Most dating apps have basic safety features like block, report, and photo verification, but there are also more advanced tools that require some knowledge to use effectively, such as location privacy. For example, advanced users know to toggle precise vs. approximate location, which prevents stalking risks or people reverse-engineering one’s real address using app coordinates.
Photos uploaded may contain metadata such as the user’s GPS coordinates, device type, etc., and while many major apps now strip this data automatically, not all do. To be safe, learn how to remove identifying metadata from photos before uploading them.
Safety First: Simple Tips for the Unsavvy
The tech-unsavvy should stick to well-established apps with clear reporting protocols in place, match exclusively with verified profiles, and skip ones that somehow feel “off.” It’s a good idea to block users who combine excessive flattery with pressure to move off the app quickly. To protect yourself from fake sites, always double-check the URL.
Opt for apps that don’t allow users to send photos, attachments, or links; this deters many hackers and scammers. When you match with someone, spend some time getting to know them on the app instead of moving to another platform immediately, and be wary if they insist on doing so. Set up a Google Voice number or a similar secondary number if you eventually move to a phone to protect your identity.
Once you’ve connected with someone, start with a virtual date. One or more video chats can help you gauge if the person is being truthful about who they are. Stick to a plain backdrop during virtual dates: you don’t want to show too much of your interior or the surroundings of your home. People can figure out where you live if they see a distinctive object outside your window, and you don’t want to inadvertently reveal any valuables, either.
Safety Checklist for Beginners
For quick reference, here are five simple steps:
- Stick to verified apps with reputation and reporting features.
- Match only with verified profiles and block suspicious accounts.
- Use approximate location settings and scrub photo metadata.
- Start with video dates using neutral backdrops.
- Use a secondary phone number before meeting offline.
These simple steps can reduce your risk significantly without requiring advanced tech skills.
Safety Is Just One Challenge Older Users Face
Older dating app users are uniquely disadvantaged in some ways, and being tech-unsavvy as regards safety features is just one of them. Surveys such as those by Pew Research Center report that about three-in-ten U.S. adults have ever used a dating site or app, while a much smaller share actively use them at any given time. For older men, this means competition can be tougher, especially with younger, tech-savvy users dominating the platforms.
Among other dating pitfalls for men over 40 is misrepresentation, where they feel they need to act younger or more adventurous than they actually are. Some young women are attracted to older men precisely because they’re more mature and experienced than men their age.
Many men over 40 don’t realize that with age, neglecting one’s appearance becomes more noticeable. In many cases, men this age are at their professional peak, have kids, or care for elderly parents, and there just isn’t much emotional bandwidth and time left for dating.
Notes on Incognito Mode
Features like Bumble’s “Incognito” or Tinder’s “Private Mode” let you control who sees your profile. It is removed from general browsing pools and only shows up to people you liked or messaged first, greatly reducing exposure to strangers and bots.
It’s important to know that Incognito Mode does not retroactively hide your profile from people who have already seen it. App algorithms may also slightly reduce visibility when switching between Incognito and normal modes. Since apps handle data caching and visibility settings matters differently, logging out and back in can help update changes faster.
Used wisely, these features give you more control over your privacy and can be especially valuable for older or less tech-savvy users who want to avoid unnecessary exposure.
Hidden Risks in Data Collection
Safety should remain your main concern. Several studies exploring the security and privacy of online dating apps, especially among older users, found that many platforms collect sensitive information such as health status, location, religious beliefs, sexual orientation, and more. Permissions like location access and third-party data sharing pose significant risks for users of all ages.
To limit data exposure, review your app’s permission settings regularly. Disable unnecessary access to contacts, microphone, or camera until needed. Use a separate email for dating apps to reduce cross-platform tracking. These small steps make a big difference in long-term privacy protection.
Conclusion: Safety Over Convenience
Dating apps can be an excellent way to meet people, but using them safely requires more than just downloading and swiping. For users who aren’t technically savvy, the best approach is to focus on the basics: stick to trusted apps, rely on verified profiles, protect your personal information, and start with low-risk interactions like video dates.
Remember that advanced tools such as Incognito Mode and metadata stripping are there to enhance safety, but even simple precautions—like using a plain backdrop, double-checking URLs, and delaying the move to phone or social media—make a big difference.
Ultimately, safety should always come before convenience. A match that pressures you to rush, reveal too much, or move off the app quickly is not worth the risk. If you treat privacy as part of your dating strategy, you’ll not only protect yourself but also create space for genuine connections to grow.
FAQ
Q: Do dating apps keep GPS data in photos?
A: Many large apps strip GPS metadata when you upload pictures, but it’s safer to remove it yourself before sharing.
Q: Does Incognito Mode make me invisible?
A: No. It limits your visibility to people you like or message first, but it doesn’t hide you from users who already viewed your profile.
Q: What’s the easiest safety step for non-tech users?
A: Stick to verified apps, match only with verified profiles, and use video calls before meeting in person.
