Swiping right on safety: New interactive map helps people navigate dating apps with more awareness
CBC
A new interactive safety map aims to help people navigate dating apps safely.
Created by a team of University of Waterloo researchers, the map allows users to compare popular dating apps and highlight safety features on different ones.
It currently can be used by anyone accessing this website. The researchers are also looking into one day making it available in the form of an app.
Diana Parry, a professor in the faculty of health and one of the lead researchers on the project, said the map was designed to keep people informed online.
Parry said they made the map with women and gender-diverse people in mind. But it can be used by anyone.
“Some of the key themes that came out of our research is that while dating apps are a wonderful opportunity to meet people … there is also a lot of harms that people are experiencing.”
She gave various examples: unsolicited pictures and messages, people reaching out despite a clear boundary being set up, and violence that could occur when meeting people in person.
Paulina de Jonge, who has been using dating apps over the last seven years, said she has experienced negative comments and harassing, unsolicited messages.
While using a dating app in B.C., for example, de Jonge said, she got pushback for recommending an activity on a date.
“I had invited someone to like come along on a hike with me … in my bio and [when] I talked about myself, I had mentioned that I love doing these things."
She said the man responded rudely, acting like the idea was "outlandish."
She added she doesn't spend a lot of time on dating apps.
"They're always really unfruitful in the sense that I'm looking for a more organic connection."
To help prevent risks and emotional fatigue on dating apps, users can compare 30 popular ones to find a platform most aligned with what they’re seeking.
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A new interactive safety map aims to help people navigate dating apps safely.
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