How to avoid becoming a victim of cyberbullying on a dating site

Dating websites is a tool that can help you find friends, love, or simply expand your social circle. However, as with any online environment, there is a risk of becoming a victim. cyberbullying.

Cyberbullying is bullying of a person using electronic means of communication, such as the Internet, phones, text messages. It can manifest itself in various forms:

• Insults and threats: "You are so ugly!", "I will find you and..."
• Spreading rumors and gossip: “He/she is not really what he/she seems to be…”, “She cheats…”
• Publishing confidential photos or videos: "Look what I found on his/her phone!"
• Creating fake accounts: "Hi, I've been wanting to meet you for a long time..."

Cyberbullying can have serious consequences for a person's mental health, including:

• Decreased self-esteem: "I am of no use to anyone", "I am worthless"
• Feelings of anxiety and depression: "I'm afraid to leave the house", "I don't want to tell anyone anything"
• Social isolation: "I don't want to communicate with anyone", "I'm not needed by anyone"
• Suicidal thoughts: "I don't want to live like this anymore"

What to do if you become a victim of cyberbullying on a dating site:

1. Don't respond to insults.

This will only encourage the buller. Example: "You are so ugly!" Do not answer: "You are just like that!"

2. Save all evidence.

Take screenshots of offensive messages, emails, or posts. Example: Take a screenshot of the message "You are so ugly!" and save it in a safe place.

3. Block the user.

Don't let him contact you anymore. Example: Block the user who sent you the message "You are so ugly!"

4. Report cyberbullying to the site administration.

Most dating sites have rules against cyberbullying. Example: The dating site Maybe Top has a Help section where you can report cyberbullying.

5. Ask for help.

If you're feeling overwhelmed or anxious, talk to a friend, family member, counselor, or other trusted person. Example: Talk to a friend about being insulted on a dating site.

How to avoid becoming a victim of cyberbullying on a dating site:

• Be careful what information you publish.

Do not share confidential information, such as your home address or phone number. Example: Don't write your home address on your dating profile.

• Use a strong password.

Don't use the same password for different sites. Example: Use different passwords for dating sites, email, and social networks.

• Don't add strangers as friends.

Before you add someone as a friend, check their profile. Example: See if the user on the dating site has photos, information about himself, and reviews from other users.

• Trust your intuition.

If something seems too good to be true, it probably is. Example: If a user with a very attractive appearance wrote to you and immediately started complimenting you, be careful.

Many people become victims of cyberbullying. Example: According to a study conducted by the Pew Research Center, 59% US teenagers have been bullied or harassed online.

Resources:

• https://www.stopbullying.gov/ — a US government website dedicated to the problem of bullying
• Cyberbullying Research Center: https://cyberbullying.org/ — a research center dedicated to the problem of cyberbullying
• The Trevor Project: https://www.thetrevorproject.org/ — an organization that provides assistance to LGBTQ+ youth, including in cases of cyberbullying

Remember:

• You are not alone.
• This is not your fault.
• You can protect yourself.
• You can get help.

Be careful and take care of yourself!