Never Use Your Real Name as Your Profile Name
When you create an OkCupid username, you’re making an alias by which people on the site will know you. You put yourself at risk from a privacy standpoint by including part of your real name. Other users might use information in your OkCupid profile to find you on Facebook or other social media sites, which could give them more information about you and your loved ones. Create a profile name that is creative and eye-catching but not personally identifiable.
Limit the Amount of Personal Info You Share on Your Profile
Another important part of building your personal profile on OkCupid is adding interesting information about yourself to attract that special someone. As much as you might want to list specifics, such as where you go to school and where you work, don’t do it. Someone could aggregate this information with other data they find on the internet to find you in the real world. Keep it as generic as possible.
Use a Separate Email Address for Online Dating
Use an email account that’s not associated with anything other than your dating activities. If someone gains access to your real email address, they can search for it on Facebook and other similar sites. There are many free and disposable email services you could use.
Turn off Location Services for the OkCupid App
Many dating apps use your phone’s GPS to determine your proximity to potential matches. Providing information about your location tells strangers where you are, and it tells them where you are not. If your profile says you live in Springfield, but your current location shows Fairfax, potential bad guys know that this might be a good time to rob your house, since you’re not home. If they use other elements in your profile to obtain your full name and address, they’ll know exactly where you live.
Skip the Racy Questions
There are some provocative questions on OkCupid that you might want to opt-out of answering. Your answers to these questions and anything else you put on OkCupid might come back to haunt you.
Block and Report Abusive Matches
If any of your matches harass or intimidate you, use the app’s blocking feature so that you won’t be bothered by them again. If they persist, report the abusive behavior to OkCupid. Contact law enforcement if you feel endangered in any way.
