STRANGER DANGER: NAVIGATING THE DANGERS OF ONLINE DATING

-
                 Online dating has revolutionised the world of dating. Image Source: linkedin.com 

Finding love has gone digital in today's world. Traditional matchmaking and chance encounters are giving way to smartphone apps, where online dating is thriving. 
 It is possible to find love online using apps like Tinder. 

Back in 1959, Stanford University students James Harvey and Phil Failer used punch card questionnaires and an IBM 650 mainframe computer to successfully match 49 men and 49 women, setting the stage for today's digital dating revolution.

                               James Harvey and Philip Failer pioneered online dating in 1959.

Platforms like Tinder, Bumble, Hinge, and OkCupid have revolutionised dating, making it easier for people to connect with potential partners. In Ghana, the trend mirrors global patterns, with many turning to apps like Tinder and Bumble to find romance and sometimes love. 

                                                     

                        Some single Ghanaians access the online dating space using different apps.

Meet Mansa, a 25-year-old navigating the world of online dating. Here’s her journey as she seeks               connections on Tinder. 

                                           

                            Mansa's  search for love online turned out to be a bitter experience.
 
"It all started on Tinder. We became friends, and soon, I realised we liked each other. Despite the distance, we talked daily and exchanged intimate photos. After a year and a half, I got a message from someone threatening to leak my nudes unless I paid them. When I told him, he said he was busy and suggested I pay the blackmailer. I sent $5000, only to later discover he was behind the threat."

However, unlike traditional dating, meeting someone from an app can be daunting due to safety concerns like rape and murder.  A recent BBC survey found that 33% of people aged 18 to 30 have faced online harassment and abuse.

                        33% of 18-30 year-olds face online harassment, says BBC survey. Image source: bbc.com

Users often share their reasons for using these apps and the precautions they take when meeting in person for the first time. 

         

                               Akosua likes to meet in public places for the first physical meeting.
 
"After my first breakup, a friend introduced me to online dating. I had a good first experience, meeting the same person from the app. I always choose public places and bring pepper spray for safety."

                                 

Ama is intentional about staying safe during first-time in-person encounters.

"I went on Bumble, out of curiosity and to have fun. We met at a restaurant. Following a friend's advice, I wore a choker and carried a taser in my bag for safety."

Ernest Asante is careful with online dating and staying safe on first dates.

"I find it hard to approach women, so I chose online dating. I think about safe places to meet and what to say to impress her. I usually tell my friends and pick a secure location."


Detective L/Cpl Dunstan Guba, a Certified Ethical Hacker and Cyber Intelligence Lead at the Ghana Police Service, stresses the importance of online dating safety measures.

                                             

Detective L/Cpl Dunstan Guba from the National Police Headquarters discusses online dating.

Online dating has transformed how we make connections, but it's vital to stay safe. Enjoy the thrill of meeting new people online, but always be cautious to ensure your experience remains positive and secure.

 Benjamin and Akyini got married after meeting on a dating app.  Image source: Benjamin and Akyini                                                                                                                                 (Youtube)


 


Level 400 Final Year Production By Naa Norley Nortey                              



Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

BEYOND THE COCONUT FRUIT: TRANSFORMING WASTE INTO ENERGY

-
Image
W aste generated from coconut is being transformed into fuel , providing a sustainable solution t hat addresses environmental problems.  Coconut briquettes are dried in a greenhouse after production This cutting-edge approach not only reduces waste but also provides an alternative to traditional fuel sources and promot es cleaner energy consumption. In Ghana, the vibrant sight of coconut vendors on nearly every street corner is a common and refreshing experience. Coconut water, cherished for its hydrating properties, is a go-to drink for many Ghanaians, especially on hot, sunny days. A patron enjoying coconut at a coconut vending point in Accra Central However, despite its popularity as a fruit, coconut vendors often face challenges in disposing of heaps of shells collected at the end of each day.  A 2022 study conducted by the Coconut Waste Project found that vendors buy 64 tonnes of coconuts daily, creating 34 tonnes of waste.  The indiscriminate disposal o...
Read more

Exploring the Vibrant Nightlife in Accra: DJs Take Center Stage (Level 300 Production)

-
Image
Spectacular fireworks display at the Polo Beach Club   BY SAMUEL KYEI OFOSU-APPIAH Nafti Eye Entertainment Correspondent Accra's nightlife provides a varied selection of entertainment and social activities after dark, catering to an extensive variety of preferences and interests. In this story, we dig into the vibrant world of nightlife in Accra, with a special emphasis on the vital roles performed by DJs. Accra's nightlife culture includes a wide range of options, including street performers and sellers, casinos, religious events, and nightclubs. Nightclubs are the centerpiece of the nightlife experience, with dancefloors, dazzling lighting shows, and either live music or talented disc jockeys (DJs) spinning recorded tunes.  A group of partygoers being entertained by GuiltyBeatz at the Polo Beach Club.                   Source: PBC Nightclubs, contrary to popular belief, are not only for people who want to enga...
Read more

THE 'INDOMIE' ECONOMY: A CLOSER LOOK AT ACCRA'S THRIVING STREET FOOD SCENE

-
Image
An Indomie joint opened for business in the morning at Osu The preparation and sale of noodles and spaghetti, commonly referred to as "Indomie", have been on the rise in Accra and across Ghana, serving as a major source of employment to many people, especially the youth. A plate of noodles with vegetables, chicken franks, and gizzard A plate of spaghetti with vegetables and egg Indomie is a popular instant noodle produced by Indofood, a leading Indonesian food company. The brand's name is proof of its Asian roots, blending 'indo' - a tribute to Indonesia - with 'mie', an archaic spelling of the Indonesian word for 'noodles', celebrating the dish's cultural significance.  In Asia and other places, noodle dishes are eaten with a fork or chopsticks and a soup spoon. Indomie is sold in supermarkets in Accra Indomie was introduced to the Ghanaian market in 2006, with its main target being children. After its introduction to Ghana, breakfast stalls a...
Read more