Social Media Made Dating Creepy

Social Media Made Dating Creepy  

I don’t have a common name but whenever I meet someone new, I’m hesitant to give them my last name because in one Google search, they can find out where I work, who my exes were, what hobbies/ side projects I do, my thoughts on dating and chivalry and probably my Xanga blog from the 90s. I don’t have an issue with doing some research but it takes the element of surprise out of getting to know someone. And it’s a bit creepy if you’re on the receiving end. I’m not sure when it happened or how social media made dating creepy…but it’s definitely evolved in the past few years.

So what are suitable limits to social media research aka. Facebook stalking?

If You Have Just Met

If this is a random person you’ve met online, you could do a bit of digging to make sure he’s a) not married b) not a serial killer. Top level filtering is okay, especially when your life may be a risk. Don’t go any further then that. You don’t want to be the guy/girl who makes references to Aunts/Pets/Academic achievements they have yet to tell you about..creepy. They didn’t coin the term Facebook stalking for nothing. Facebook is how social media got creepy if you ask me.

If You Have Just Started Dating

You may want to add your new friend on Facebook/Snapchat/Twitter but think of how awkward it’d be to have to unfriend them if it doesn’t work out?  We know you may want to check in on them to see what they do when they’re not with you but in the initial stages of dating, ask them instead of creeping.

If You Are In a Relationship

Anything goes here. Go nuts. Go through all the old photos. Just don’t invade your better half’s privacy by stealing passwords or logging into their account without them knowing.