Tinder alert: these are the biggest red flags on dating apps

The wonderful world of dating apps sometimes feels a bit like stepping into a car with Max Verstappen. At a mega-fast pace, you swipe through many profiles without really looking at them; and that can sometimes lead to disappointment. But what should you pay attention to? Dating coach Anna Morgenstern gathered the biggest red flags on dating apps that will protect you from (again) a failed date.

Extremely short answers

To be honest, we mainly look at the photos. But those who are really serious about finding someone will also study the rest of the profile carefully. According to Morgenstern, you can gather a lot from that. The first point of attention: the length of someone's descriptions. Many dating apps use standard questions like ‘how would you describe yourself?’ or ‘what are your interests?’, all intended to learn a bit more about the person. If someone only writes a few words and hasn't taken the time to think seriously about it, that's quite a red flag. It shows, according to Morgenstern, that the other person probably doesn't take the app, and a potential relation, probably not very seriously. You'd better keep looking for a potential date with attention and a touch of humor in the answers.

Too perfect photos

It's only logical that you gather the best photos from your gallery to make the best possible impression. Touching up these snapshots here and there is also not a problem at all. However, too perfect photos can raise a red flag. For those who doubt whether everything is as it seems, it's time to bring out the detective in yourself. With a reverse image search on Google, you can easily see if photos have been used elsewhere before and where or by whom. By running the profile through the search bar, you can discover if you're being catfished after all. Better safe than sorry, right?

Wanting to move the conversation immediately

A dating app is often primarily a meeting place; eventually, you move on to texting and calling. However, according to Morgenstern, you should be careful if your match wants to move to WhatsApp or slide into your DMs too quickly, as it can be a sign that someone is a catfish. By trying to get you off the dating app as soon as possible, they want to prevent you from reporting their profile if you discover the truth. Take a step back and make sure you know who you're talking to and that everything is okay before you pack the digital moving boxes for the next app.

Postponing the meeting

Chatting for hours is fun, but to really get to know someone, you'll need to meet in person at some point. That doesn't have to be right after the first conversation; but if someone keeps postponing and doesn't make any plans themselves, according to Morgenstern, a red flag should be waving. You're looking for a real physical relationship, not just a nice online chat buddy, and that won't work without meeting up.

Meeting at home immediately

A first date is exciting, and it can be nice to meet in a familiar place. However, Morgenstern warns against planning that first date immediately at one of your homes or very close by. If the other person insists on that, it can be a signal that someone is already assuming that the date date will end more intimately. Being so close to one of your homes can make it harder to set your boundaries if you want to take things slower. It's therefore better to meet in a more neutral, public place. Also, make sure to let a friend or family member know that you're going on a date and where. It probably won't be necessary, but you never know. Morgenstern's final tip: follow your gut feeling. If you think something is off or someone gives off bad energy, those are already enough red flags to choose yourself and keep swiping.

Source: PureWow