Dating Apps That Take Your Safety Seriously

Dating apps don’t exactly have the best rep right now. Apps have seen a drop in users and just this month TIME declared that they are dead.Everyone has their own guess as to why swiping feels slightly cringe: People want to make in-person connections, they think everyone on the apps is ugly, and, importantly users—mostly women—just don’t feel safe.While I am a dating app retiree, I still vividly remember the amount of unhinged and frankly, frightening messages I received from men while on the apps. I know girlfriends who have been catfished, threatened, and even borderline stalked by men they swiped right on (and even ones they didn’t).The people behind the apps are aware of the safety concerns and some (not all) have taken real steps to make sure their users feel as comfortable as possible—because trying to find love online is already difficult enough without having to worry about some creep using AI photos to trick you into meeting up.So if you’re looking to swipe without worrying about your safety, here are some of the safest dating apps out there. Unfortunately, you’re on your own when it comes to what your matches look like.BumbleDespite the fact that I would never message a man first, Bumble is really steps ahead of a lot of other dating apps. They have one of the most extensive set of user-facing safety tools out there: photo verification, optional ID verification, and in-app voice and video calls. It also has the Share Date feature, which lets you share the details of an upcoming date with a trusted friend or family member. Plus, it blurs out potentially explicit photos, allows you to block, report, and unmatch someone, and even has a Deception Detector for users that are flagged as potential fake or scam accounts. It really gives you a lot of ways to vet someone before ever handing over your number.TinderTinder’s reputation has come a long way. What used to be known as “the hookup app” is now a pretty decent place to get to know someone—all while staying safe.The app requires a Face Check, photo verification, Share My Date (similar to Bumble), and of course the ability to block and report someone. What really makes it a great option is the fact that users are prompted with “Are You Sure?” and “Does This Bother You?” message interventions to prompt people to think before they send something inappropriate, as well as the chance to report if something crosses the line.HingeHinge has become a lot more aggressive lately when it comes to authenticating its users. Its Face Check includes a video selfie and liveness check, which is then compared to profile photos. This can help detect duplicate or scam accounts.Hinge’s Help Center also includes a variety of articles on “Safe Dating,” including pieces on consent, boundaries, and how to protect yourself from scammers.Coffee Meets BagelCoffee Meet Bagel has always been known as a dating app for people who are really intentional about dating. And now, it has a bunch of safety features to make that more possible. The app has a live selfie verification—which has been completed by 70 percent of its users.MatchMatch focuses on moderation and user safety. Like some of the other apps on this list, it offers blocking, human moderation, anti-harassment measures, and privacy controls that lets users set who can contact them and what info goes on their profile. The app also gives users the chance to flag specifically for fake profiles, requests for money, and other violations.