Safe and up to date

Dating can be tricky. Bad dates veer from the dull to the dangerous. Here’s how to swipe left on app-solute chaos

- Riddhi Doshi

Let’s be honest: No one who’s put themselves on dating apps believes the old swipe-and-sort system is helpful. Perfectly articulate profiles turn out to be bumbling buffoons in person. Those seeking “my forever person” actually want a weekend hook-up. Some just want to talk crypto. Some are just looking for a free dinner. It’s hard to tell which is worse.

“I was terrified to get onto dating apps,” says 37-year-old media professional Marilyn John. “I would think, What if my drink is spiked or I am kidnapped?” says Jyoti Parakh, 28, senior producer with a radio channel.