Location-Based Dating App: Why It Is Dangerous

Why is the location dating app popular?

Over the past few years, we have seen a massive obsession with location dating apps. People like to use such apps to find someone they can talk to locally and globally. This has somehow become the trend to meet a new partner in the future, and with so many dating apps available online, it is obvious that more and more people will be trying such apps. Moreover, most of these apps are free to use.

As much as dating apps are becoming popular among adults, unfortunately, even teens are getting attracted to these apps as well. With adults, it still makes sense. They already know the pros and cons of using such apps. However, with kids, things become a little different because they tend to think about the bright side only and not about the underlying damages these apps can cause.

It’s pretty hard to believe that humans will start shopping for love, too, just like they do for grocery shopping or online clothes shopping. After all, these platforms give you a chance to swipe left and right and choose the best that fits your personality. Things have become easier now with the popularity of location dating apps. Just one click and you will know about the person who resides close to you and who you would possibly like to go meet in person as well.

What are the possible dangers behind location-based dating app for teens?

The reason why parents should be worried about when their children use a location dating app is that there could be potential dangers associated with such apps. Here are some of the reasons why parents should care about it:

1. Predators are always on their hunting spree: When your kid starts to talk to someone online on such platforms, they feel wanted, and the need to go back to such apps is always there. But this is what the predator wants. Also, you never know who your child might be talking to. People can obviously lie about their age and sex. You never know the kid who she is talking to thinking the other user is 16 years old, is actually a grown adult, who is 40 years old!
2. Pictures can reveal where your kid stays: These dating apps allow every user to upload their photos. Plus, location dating apps do let your kids find a match within a few miles, which means the predator already knows where your kid might be residing. And if it is a tech-savvy stranger, then it won’t be difficult for him to track down the teen’s location just by tracking the photo.
3. Because there are scammers:Location dating apps are famous for fake profiles. Scammers who your child might be talking to, thinking that the other person is real, might have already downloaded your teen’s photo. They might also get the personal details, and God forbid, this information and pictures might land up in some shady links.

What are the popular location dating apps of 2020 for teens?

There are endless location dating apps available in the market, and the worst part is, these dating apps don’t cost a dime. They are free to use, and you don’t need to pay anything to anyone. Here are some of the most popularly used dating apps by teens in 2020.

1. Yubo

The first teen dating apps that allow kids as young as 13 years old to get to know new people is Yubo. This one is also referred to as Tinder for teens because, just like Tinder, you can swipe right to like someone’s profile.

Features:

• 13+ Minimum age requirement.
• Live video streaming.
• Free to use.
• Users can hide their city to limit disclosing their personal identity.

2. Spotafriend

Even though Spotafriend asks for a minimum age requirement of 17 years and above, people can still fake their age. Yet again, all the user needs to do is swipe right to like someone and chat with any stranger privately.

Features:

• 17+ minimum age requirement.
• GPS location tracker.
• Free app for downloading.
• Users can find someone local to chat with.
• Specially designed for teens.

To get more information about this app, you will not want to miss this guide: Spotafriend App Review

3. Skout

Developers of Skout call it a “flirting” app, and teens can find someone to talk to based on preferences and proximity. Kids are encouraged to upload their profiles and pictures to earn points. And these points can be used to find someone who is close by.

Features:

• Opportunity to meet someone local and globally.
• The meet tab will allow anyone to see photos and know their age.
• Free signup.
• Users need to shake the device to talk to someone.

Wonder if Skout is safe for teens? Click this guide to know more.

4. Mylol

Mylol is another popular dating app that teens love to use. But the problem with this dating app is that it has no valid verification process, and anybody can fake about their sex and age to join this app. Profile pictures can even become too revealing and explicit.

Features:

• Free dating app.
• 17+ minimum age required, but no verification is required.
• Allows a user to meet people near them.
• Chat option is available.

5. Tinder for teens

Tinder has two different communities. One is for adults who are 18 and above, and the second one falls under 13-17 years of age. And yes, it is a free dating app for everyone. You just need to swipe right and wait for the match.

Features:

• To join Tinder, one must have a Facebook account.
• Free to join.
• Two different communities for adults and teens.
• Location sharing for the right match.

What can parents do to protect their teen’s safety?

Yes, these dating apps do raise a concern, but here are a few things that you can do to protect your children's safety.

• Start looking for popular location dating apps. The first thing that you should know about is the popular teen location dating apps. You must stay alert that since most of the teens are already using such apps, your kid might also be spending time using such apps as well.
• Don’t panic. After you find out about the top teen dating apps, it's time not to panic and punish your kid. This is the age when their brains are highly active, and they are extremely curious. Sit down with your kid and warn them about the pros and cons. Tell them about the dark web.
• Protect them Once you have had a chat with your kid, let them walk you through their mobile phone. Don’t be angry. Just understand that everyone does this. Gain their trust. Even if some teens might not like your intervention, but it’s for their safety.

How can Famisafe help to protect kids from the danger of location-based dating apps??

When things go way out of your hands, and your child refuses to hand over their mobile phone to let you see what they are doing with it and whether they are using any dating apps or not, it is time to take action. You can consider taking a look at Famisafe, which is the best parental control app in the market.

Here are some of the supported features of FamiSafe.

Real-time location and Geofencing

You can use this feature to track where your kid might be in real-time. You can also know where your kid regularly goes by checking its location history and get alerts by activating geo fencing when the kid leaves geo-fence.

App blocker and activity monitor

Dating apps are hazardous. Use this feature to know what type of dating apps are installed on your kid’s mobile phone and also block them when you find one or two to keep them safe from possible danger.

Screen time tracking and control

Your kid might be using his or her phone to chat with someone on those location dating apps. Don’t let them stay awake at night talking to random strangers. Just schedule screen time and ensure that they are not busy with their phones when they should be studying and sleeping.

Online content filtering and blocking

Most kids get to know about dating apps by visiting websites that are not for their ages. Parents can use FamiSafe to block and filter these websites.

Explicit Content Detection

The highlight of FamiSafe is that it will monitor your kid's message on social media platforms like Facebook, Kik, WhatsApp, and alert parents when explicit words are detected. It can also be used to detect suspicious photos in your kid's album.

Location-based dating apps are anyway never safe for teens. Teens at this age are always interested in making new friends, but one wrong move and their life can be in danger. Never take a chance when it comes to your child’s safety. Keep them safe with Famisafe and block those location dating apps today.