However, a recent study by Norton reveals a worrying reality: meeting applications have become a privileged playground for crooks of the heart, and it is not the recent news that will say the opposite.
A disturbing phenomenon that worsens
The survey published on February 4, highlights the extent of the phenomenon. More than one in three user of meeting applications has already been targeted by a love scam, while more than half of them are faced with profiles or suspicious messages at least once a week. These alarming figures highlight the need for increased vigilance in the world of online meetings.
Young adults, who represent the majority of users of these platforms, are particularly exposed. The study reveals that 33% of current users are between 18 and 24 years old, and 37% between 25 and 34 years. This predominance of young people makes them vulnerable to all kinds of love scams, especially since they spend an average of almost 7 hours per week on these applications.
Among the most common scams, le catfishing And the scams using romance come first. The cybercriminals excel in the art of pretending to be real users in search of love, going so far as to use the photos of other people to create fictitious profiles. Indeed, 27% of current users found that their photos had been used without their knowledge by fraudulent profiles!
The consequences of these scams go far beyond the broken hearts. The study reveals that 79% of victims have undergone financial losses, with an average of 897.65 euros stolen per person. Even more worrying, 61% of victims also lost personal data, including email addresses, telephone numbers and even bank details.
Faced with these risks, users seem to have a mixed perception of the safety of different platforms. Meetic is considered the most reliable by 70% of users, while Eharmony is perceived as the least secure with only 29% of favorable opinions. Tinder is positioned in the middle of the peloton, considered rather safe by 60% of users.
The study also highlights a growing trend: the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in online seduction strategies. Many users are favorable to the use of AI to improve their profile, write clip messages or even train in flirting. This practice raises ethical questions about the authenticity of interactions in the world of virtual encounters.
Beyond AI, the survey reveals that many users do not hesitate to embellish reality. Thus, 34% of those questioned admit that they have indicated a false age on their profile. This trend for concealment contributes to creating an environment conducive to scams and distrust.
Faced with these challenges, Norton recommends increased caution, particularly as Valentine’s Day approaches. Experts advise users to stay vigilant, carefully check profiles and never share sensitive or money with strangers encountered online.
If meeting applications offer new opportunities to find love, they also present significant risks. Norton’s study underlines the importance of a balanced approach, combining openness and prudence, in the quest for the soul mate.
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