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’ll find you and...”
Spreading rumors and gossip: “He (s) is actually not at all what he seems to be...”, “She walks to the left...”
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: “Nobody needs me”, “I’m 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,” “Nobody needs me (to)”
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 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 keep 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!”

How to avoid becoming a victim of cyberbullying on a dating site 3

4. Report cyberbullying to the site administration.

Most dating sites have rules against cyberbullying. Example: The Maby Top dating site 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/ – 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: