Dating App Red Flags

Dating apps are currently the most popular way to meet new people, especially if you have an otherwise busy life and haven’t made time to attend events at which you’ll connect with potential romantic interests. 

Just because they’re plentiful, doesn’t mean they’re safe. As with any online interactions, optimism should be tempered with caution. Even if you consider yourself a seasoned swiper, being aware of dating app red flags is a great first step for self protection to help you avoid disappointment.  You might not always be able to catch the latest dating scams until it’s too late, but you should be able to enjoy the thrill of the hunt while looking for love on the apps.

All Group Photos

If you’re scrolling someone’s profile and notice that every pic is of a group, that can be a confusing place to start. How do you know which person in the photo is the one you’re chatting with? This could point simply to someone being oblivious but, on the other hand, it might also indicate that they’re not being upfront about who they are. 

Fish Photos or Gym Mirror Selfies  

Without apologies to the Dads, Brads, and Chads, there’s a reason this type of profile often elicits an eyeroll. This cliché profile suggests a lack of effort (or lack of personality). Sure, you’ve got to have hobbies, but at this point these types of pics are a sign that they’re not serious, or possibly that their account hasn’t been updated in years. 

Overly Filtered (or AI-Generated)

It used to be easier to tell if someone was using a filter (the skin was a little too blurry, the teeth a little too white, etc.) but AI has become so clever that editing can be indistinguishable from a true image…except when it isn’t. Take a close look at the fingers. Are there too many or too few? What about the background? Is it off in any way? Consider it a red flag whenever any images make you second guess their authenticity.

Profiles Without a Bio

Don’t even bother. If someone hasn’t taken a minute to add a pic and write a few lines, their either not ready to be active on the app, not legit, or simply not worth your effort. 

Love Bombing

Yes it’s exciting to find a match and start connecting with someone but, even if there’s obvious potential between the two of you, nobody should be expressing intense interest or affection prior to your first mate. Love bombing is a potentially dangerous manipulation tactic. Remember that real connections take time and effort to build. 

Refusing to Chat on Video 

It’s a great idea to hop on a quick video call prior to meeting in person just to verify someone is legit. Anyone who would deny such a request is throwing up a huge red flag, which could indicate a catfish or, less insidious but still problematic, a lack of genuine interest. 

Avoidant Conversation Style 

Some people are not great at small talk, and that’s okay. But if the person on the other screen doesn’t answer direct questions about where they live (in general) or what they do professionally, they might be hiding something. Respect and communication are key and if someone is going to make the most of dating apps, they have to be ready to be forthcoming and honest.