BoomerTECH Adventures

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Is Online Dating an Option for Boomers and Seniors?

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Is Online Dating an Option for Boomers and Seniors?

 

Would it surprise you to know that 19% of adults between the ages of 50 and 64 explored online dating (Pew Research Center)?  That’s around 11,000,000 people.  In other words, around the country folks over 50 are using their iPhones, iPads, and other digital devices to check out online dating websites and posting profiles to the site they choose.

A recent Newsweek article listed these online dating sites as ones to check out if you are in the over 50 bracket:

 

Be sure to do your research before you sign up. Things to think about include…

  • What’s the real cost? Some are free to start but to get more features, you must pay for a premium plan.
  • Can you see your match’s picture?
  • Do they offer specialized groups such as divorced, widowed, gay, Christian, Jewish, etc.?
  • Is there unlimited messaging?
  • Are you able to see who has viewed your profile?
  • How do they make the suggested matches? Questionnaires? Algorithms (mathematical formulas based on data)? Personality Traits? 

You want to stay safe when choosing romance via the internet. There are red flags to be on the lookout for so you do not get duped by a scammer.

  • Be aware that it is easy to set up a fake Facebook page to make oneself look good. Clues that a page might be fake include few friends, no photos of friends and family, no tagging of photos, and images that look like they came from a stock photography site or modeling agency. tineye.com and images.google.com are two sites that will help you identify fake images.
  • Do check out their social media pages to learn more about their lifestyle.
  • Don’t be afraid to google them to find out more information.  And of course, they probably are googling you, so you might want to google yourself to see what turns up. 
  • Ask for proof of claims. This action probably seems uncomfortable, however, you can explain that you are very self-protective.  If they are offended, well, they are probably not a good prospect.
  • Keep the conversations on the dating site until you plan a meet. Do not fall for the line, “My membership is about to run out, and please won’t you give me your phone number so we can text.”
  • A hint from eharmony.com is not to trust an early declaration of love, and for heaven’s sake, do not send along any revealing images!
  • Bottom line—despite how outwardly appealing a match may seem, trust your gut and remember if someone seems to be too good to be true, they probably are.

Our young friends tell us they always run a background check on a potential match before a face-to-face meeting.

Here’s a video of a presentation BoomerTECH Adventures made recently on this topic. Additional tips on safely dating online are included.

 

If you join the 11+ million over 50 dating online, have fun, but take steps to stay safe. Make use of your digital devices to research all aspects of the experience.

 

If you find BoomerTECH Adventures’ blog posts interesting and helpful, consider joining BTA Club for additional information about ways your Apple digital devices will allow you to connect, contribute and create.

 

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