Asking here because you guys tend to give more honest answers than most places online. Verified user badges make a huge difference for filtering out bots in chat environments.
I've had the best text-based experiences on forums rather than dedicated chat apps ironically. Anonymous chat is mostly an illusion unless you're running through a trustworthy VPN and using a burner.
A few things worth keeping in mind:
- Platforms with active moderation and real reporting tools are worth prioritizing over free-for-all sites.
- Trust your gut completely. If something feels off before a meet, cancel without guilt.
- Public first meetings are non-negotiable. Coffee shop, bar, food court — somewhere visible.
- Report suspicious behavior to the platform — most have dedicated teams for this now.