Perception is divided
Pew’s July 2022 survey found no broad public consensus about safety. The safe share had slipped from 53% in the Center’s 2019 study to 48% in 2022.
People who had used online dating were more likely to call it safe than those who had not, 67% versus 41%.
Women expressed more concern
Fifty-seven percent of women said dating sites and apps were not a safe way to meet people. Among users, women were also more likely than men to say the platforms were unsafe, 41% versus 23%.
A perception question does not measure the probability of a specific incident. The report separately asked users about unwanted behaviors and suspected scammers.
Background checks had broad—but not universal—support
Six in ten adults said dating companies should require background checks before a person creates a profile. Fifteen percent opposed the idea and 24% were unsure.
Support was lower among people who had actually used online dating, showing why an overall public percentage should not be presented as unanimous user demand.