I’m a 54-year-old man, recently separated from my wife of 31 years - just earlier this month. Honestly, I’m already feeling bored and lonely, so I’ve been considering trying out dating apps (I’ve never used one before). However, my sons (30 and 28) tell me it’s a waste of time and possibly even a scam, and I’ve seen similar opinions online. So I’m not sure what to think.

  • Angel Mountain@feddit.nl
    51·
    3 days ago

    I met my partner on an app relatively recently and would not have met them otherwise. It can be a way to meet interesting people that you would not easily come across otherwise.

    But, there are some caveats.

    I would recommend trying a few and finding one that fits your interests/people in your area actually use.

    Also investigate what the apps do with your data. You are sharing some very personal/sensitive data with them. Make sure they take good care of it.

    Some apps seem to be pay-to-win. Do keep that in mind. Also, do keep in mind you are in the minority as a guy. Don’t feel discouraged if it takes a long time to get any matches. I notice I can get somewhat addicted to scrolling through the apps and get discouraged when no one seems to like me. If that’s the case make sure to not open the app for a while and go outside.

    I personally think Feeld is one of the least bad ones, because it is great for different kinds of relationships and that fits me well, as well as they seem to take somewhat value my privacy and data. I also tend to pay for apps I actually use, because when the product is free, I am the product. Remember these companies have costs as well.

    Still, nothing beats starting conversations with people in real life. Just be friendly, open, interested and don’t expect anything from the other party straight away.

    You’ll be fine!

    • rirus@feddit.orgEnglish
      7·
      3 days ago

      Afaik there are no good Dating apps.

      In March 2024, the British cybersecurity company Fortbridge identified several critical security vulnerabilities in the app. These flaws allowed unauthorized third parties to access private messages and photos, edit user profiles, and search preferences and messages. The vulnerabilities’ duration remains unclear. Feeld claimed that the issues were resolved within three months of being identified. Feeld did not directly inform regulators or notify users of the potential breach of their private data, citing an absence of evidence that any data had been accessed.[27] In its report on the investigation, Fortbridge said that six months had passed between their initial disclosure of the vulnerabilities and Feeld’s confirmation that the issues had been patched.

      Also feeld has 3 Analytics Libraries included: https://reports.exodus-privacy.eu.org/en/reports/co.feeld/latest/#trackers

      Also most apps require you to upload fotos about yourself.

    • AA5B@lemmy.world
      1·
      3 days ago

      Also investigate what the apps do with your data…. Make sure they take good care of it.

      That’s certainly the biggest reason I never succeeded with online dating. I’ve never been able to get past creating a profile, with all the personal data you’d have to give, and no way to trust any of them with it.

      Maybe I’m biased, I knew someone a couple decades ago planning to build an online dating app and he spent most of his time figuring out how to monetize the data