The e-volution of dating

It used to be you’d meet someone, you’d be attracted to each other, and the next thing you knew you were going on your first date, but now everything has changed.

Given the direction technology is headed, these days you simply take your phone, download and app, and presto, instant date.

The dating app has revolutionized courtship, as we know it. Apps like Blendr, OKCupid, Grindr, and Scruff, put available men and women at your fingertips—literally.

These apps have successfully eliminated the anxiety of walking up to that certain someone for fear of embarrassment, or rejection. Today it’s as simple as creating a profile, uploading a picture, and posting it online. After that, all you need to do is wait and see who messages you.

Each app is designed to cater to a certain type of user. There are g-rated apps for people who want to get to know someone before crossing the threshold of each other’s nether regions. And there are the apps for those who like to jump right in and go for it. There are even apps that cater to straight people, as well as apps that cater to gays. In the app world, there’s no discrimination, and there’s something for everyone.

But for all their glamour and ease, the dating apps don’t come without their fair share of risk.

Choosing to meet someone through an app poses several opportunities for user fraud. Just because someone fills out a profile with traits that will draw potential partners doesn’t necessarily mean those traits are accurate. And furthermore, just because they have posted a picture on their profile doesn’t mean that that picture is actually them.

In June 2012, Skout, a flirting app from iTunes, came under fire when three adults were accused of raping minors who used the site. The three men were able to earn the trust of these teenagers by creating profiles posing as teenagers themselves.

Taking the proper precautions is essential as is with any potential relationship, but when used responsibly, dating apps can open up a world of opportunities for the user to meet someone special. Maybe even the one of their dreams.