From DMs to Dinner: Digital Safety in Modern Dating
Modern dating begins with a screen…
A swipe, a like, a DM that turns into a conversation
For many people in the UK, relationships now start online. In fact, around one in three couples meet digitally, and millions actively use dating apps or social platforms to connect. Technology has expanded dating opportunity, making it easier to meet people outside our social circles, workplaces or communities.
The Reality of Modern Dating
Online dating is now mainstream and so are the risks.
While most online dating experiences are positive, reports from the National Crime Agency and UK Finance consistently show that romance fraud and online-enabled exploitation cost victims millions of pounds annually, with thousands of cases reported each year. Beyond financial harm, many people, particularly women, report experiences of digital harassment, unwanted explicit content, persistent monitoring or coercive behaviour that began through messaging apps.
Digital confidence shouldn’t be associated with paranoia. Instead, it’s about raising awareness and understanding how connection, privacy and boundaries now overlap.
Source: Crimestoppers
📱 Stage One: The “DM Phase”
That first direct message (aka “DM”) can feel exciting. There’s curiosity, anticipation and possibility… you name it!
Healthy early communication usually looks like:
Consistent tone and behaviour
Respect for your pace
Willingness to answer questions as much as ask them
No pressure to escalate intimacy quickly
Digital red flags can include:
Excessive flattery immediately (“love bombing”)
Avoiding video calls but pushing to meet urgently
Asking to move off the dating platform quickly
Becoming irritated if you don’t respond immediately
Pressuring you to share personal photos
Trust builds gradually and therefore urgency can be a warning sign.
Protecting Your Digital Boundaries
Modern dating often blurs personal information with accessibility. Before meeting someone new, consider:
Avoid sharing your home address or workplace too early
Turn off real-time location sharing on public platforms
Delay posting “live” stories from venues
Review privacy settings on social media platforms such as Instagram, Facebook or TikTok
Be mindful of visible landmarks in photos
Small digital details can reveal routines, neighbourhoods or daily habits without you realising.
Digital boundaries protect physical ones.
From Online to Offline: Planning the First Date
The shift from DMs to dinner is where digital awareness meets real-world safety. Practical first-date considerations:
Meet in a public, well-lit space
Arrange your own transport
Tell someone where you’re going and when you expect to be back
Keep your phone charged
Have a simple exit plan if you need to leave early
You don’t need to expect the worst to prepare responsibly!
The Role of Technology in Staying Connected
Technology can increase risk but certain technology can also increase reassurance.
Small actions like:
Sharing your journey with someone you trust
Checking in when you arrive home
Knowing how to access support quickly
Reporting concerns if something doesn’t feel right
can add confidence without disrupting the experience.
Platforms like imabi Travel Guardian are designed to support safer journeys and accessible reporting, not because danger is inevitable, but because options create reassurance.
