Been testing a few options lately and wanted to cross-reference with what this community thinks. Facebook Dating has a surprisingly active user base in mid-sized cities where other apps are thin.
Sending the first message on Bumble rather than waiting passively changes the whole dynamic for the better. Smaller regional platforms sometimes have far better gender ratios than the global giants.
Safety stuff I try to keep in mind:
- Reverse image search is your best friend for quickly vetting profile photos before investing time.
- Screen recording during video chats is a real concern — keep personal identifying details off screen.
- Separate email addresses for dating activity is just good digital hygiene at this point.
- Use a Google Voice number instead of your real number when you're still getting to know someone new.