This question came up recently and I realized I didn't have a solid answer — hoping you do. Video date features have stuck around since the pandemic and are genuinely useful for early vetting.
Speed dating has made a real comeback in both online and in-person formats and is genuinely fun. Traditional dating websites tend to attract users who write longer profiles and are more serious.
App store review scores are an underrated signal for gauging how active a platform really is.
Things I keep in mind for safety:
- Platforms with active moderation and real reporting tools are worth prioritizing.
- A VPN helps with general browsing privacy but isn't a complete anonymity solution.
- Video calling before a meet is the fastest way to confirm someone is who they claim to be.