Online Safety in Dating: Protecting Your Privacy and Well-Being 💻💖
- Yesenia Yser
- Feb 15
- 5 min read
February 2025 Newsletter by InfiniteIsh1
We’ve all heard the "it’s complicated" stories, but dating online doesn’t have to be! Navigating the world of online dating is fun, but let’s face it—there are risks. In our recent workshop in October, we dove into how to stay safe by being smart with what you share—and who you share it with.
Generational Perspectives on Privacy:
Millennials keep their personal details close to the vest—especially location info—while Gen Z, practically raised with smartphones, seems more open to sharing. One participant mentioned using location-sharing apps for safety when out at night, sparking a big conversation about trust, communication, and safety in relationships. The moral? Generational values impact how we handle privacy—but we can all agree that protecting your heart (and your data) is a universal instinct. 🦁
Safety Networks:
Raise your hand if you’ve ever thought, “Hmm, I wonder if he is on any other dating apps… or… is he the one in that ‘Are We Dating the Same Guy?’ Facebook group?” 🙋♀️ These online communities have become game-changers, helping women protect each other from potential red flags. While not perfect, they’ve become a safe space for sharing experiences, offering warnings, and looking out for each other.
Self-Defense & Tech Tools:
Don’t just rely on your gut—although that’s a good start! Enhance your safety with self-defense training and digital tools like location tracking apps. And hey, it’s not just about protecting yourself from online creeps. Real-world vigilance and tech can help you stay safe in both worlds.
Crazy Person Theory & Navigating Aggression 😳💪
Tip: When faced with aggression, don’t always give people what they expect! Sometimes, instead of fighting fire with fire, a calm smile can totally throw off someone’s game. Keeping your cool is a superpower—and being unpredictable might be the best defense.
Cultural Sensitivity & Safety 🌍💡
It’s not just about who you meet, but where they come from. Understanding cultural differences in how women are perceived can help you navigate tricky situations—whether online or in-person. The more we understand, the safer we’ll be.
Spiral Dynamics 🔄🌱
Spiral Dynamics may sound like a yoga move, but it’s actually about understanding how different cultures evolve in terms of values and norms. Why does someone react aggressively? It’s all about their place on the development ladder. This framework helps decode behaviors and gives you a tool for navigating cultural differences—especially helpful when meeting people from different backgrounds.
Digital Hygiene & Self-Defense 🧼🔐
Your digital footprint matters! Clean up your online presence regularly to protect yourself from unwanted attention. Tools like Red Canary and Deleted can help you manage your online profile and scrub away anything that could be a liability. Pair that with real-world self-defense, and you’ve got the perfect balance of protection for your mind and your body.
Lioness Instincts: Protect Your Heart and Your Data 🦁💖🔐
Whether you’re swiping right, left, or just browsing, trust your instincts, Lioness! As Valentine’s Day approaches, here's your safety checklist:
Be cautious about what you share online 📝
Use location-sharing apps or tap into safety networks 📍💻
Set boundaries and trust your gut 🛡️✨
Remember, you don’t need to “out-crazy” anyone—sometimes just a confident stare is all you need to disarm a potentially dangerous situation. 👀💪
Stay Safe Online: Cybersecurity Tips for Women in Dating 🔐💻
This Valentine’s Day, take control of your digital privacy with a few simple steps:
Limit what you share: Think before you post those travel plans or location details.
Enable two-factor authentication: Extra layers = extra protection.
Use privacy settings: Adjust those social media controls to ensure only the right eyes see your posts.
Watch the Full Workshop 🎥
On January 27, 2025, our Digital Privacy Workshop provided valuable insights into managing digital privacy and security. Hosted by Yesenia Yser and James, a digital privacy analyst, the session focused on the role of advertisement IDs in digital ads and how they impact privacy versus personalization.
Key Takeaways:
Understanding Advertisement IDs: James detailed how advertisement IDs are used by applications to track and collect data, allowing a comprehensive view of users' behaviors, potentially infringing on individual privacy.
Importance of Privacy Settings: Attendees learned practical steps to enhance digital privacy by adjusting settings on both iOS and Android devices to limit data collection.
Choosing Privacy-Friendly Apps: The workshop covered how to select apps that prioritize user privacy, using privacy reports in app stores.
Resource Sharing: Participants were provided with resources like Protonmail for secure email services and tools to opt-out from data aggregators.
James also shared the concerning discovery that data from popular apps, such as fitness and health applications, can be exploited without users' knowledge, emphasizing the need for greater awareness and action.
Missed the live session? Don’t worry! You can catch the full video on YouTube. Click here to watch our tips on staying safe in the digital dating world! 📺✨
Final Thoughts:
As we continue to dive deeper into the digital world, let’s stay vigilant in protecting both our hearts and our personal information. Share your tips for safe, empowering, and secure online experiences with us! 💖🔐
Until next time, unleash your inner Lioness and stay safe! 🦁✨
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Highlights from The Lioness Instincts: Empowering Events and Achievements
Events of Interest:
Here are events around the United States focused on personal defense in the physical and digital world:
Volunteer Opportunities
We are seeking volunteers to help with the following:
Digital Privacy Speakers: Interested in sharing knowledge on personal privacy and online safety with our community.
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Program Manager: Help us stay engaged and on task.
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Let's continue to empower and support each other as we strive to provide the best resources for your self-defense, digital privacy, and career development. Your input is crucial in helping us grow and improve our offerings. Together, we can make a difference!
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