I left dating apps in 2022. What should have been a space for connection, dating and possible romance, became a deeply unsettling experience—one filled with manipulation, emotional abuse, and, in some cases, real fear for my safety.

I’ve had men start off polite, then turn and shout at me over messaging at 2am simply because I said no. I’ve been targeted by individuals trying to fast-track intimacy and manipulate their way into my home or finances. I’ve met deeply disturbed individuals who used dating apps to play roles, to test boundaries, and to exploit trust. I've had exes set up false accounts to stalk and try to humiliate me. I’ve even dated someone who turned out to be dangerous—charming at first, but ultimately controlling and frightening.

I saw the patterns. I learned to identify the red flags and sadly decided to leave the platforms. But that’s not always enough. Many people don’t see it until they’re already in too deep—especially when love, loneliness, or hope blindsides caution. 

This petition is calling for a simple but powerful safeguard: mandatory ID verification via a secure third-party system before any user can begin messaging others. People can browse freely—but if they want to communicate, they need to verify who they are. Just like we do for jobs, finances, or even social platforms like LinkedIn.

Predators thrive in anonymity. But when we remove that shield, we make it harder for them to operate—and safer for everyone else.

This is not about paranoia. It’s about prevention. The harm done through dating apps is real, rising, and often invisible until it’s too late.

It’s also about protecting survivors. As violent offenders, domestic abusers, and stalkers are released from prison, dating apps offer a fast, unregulated way for them to contact new victims—or even target old ones. Right now, there are no checks, no barriers, and no warnings.

A measure like this could save lives, protect hearts, and give users more peace of mind as they navigate these digital spaces.

Please sign and share. Let’s make online dating safer for everyone, starting with the most basic step: knowing who we’re talking to.

Pamela