Asking here because you guys cut through marketing noise better than most places. Message encryption is the baseline I look for in any chat app. It's just common sense.
Public first meetings are non-negotiable. Coffee shop, bar, anywhere visible. A dedicated email address for chat platforms is worth the two minutes to set up.
Basic precautions I follow:
- Tell a trusted friend where you're going and share your live location during a first meet.
- Never share your real last name, address, or workplace before meeting someone in person.
- Trust your gut completely. If something feels off before a meet, cancel without guilt.