The landscape of our activities has shifted amid social distancing, moving many in-person engagements to virtual realms. This transition also extends to dating, with a significant surge in the use of dating apps since the onset of the pandemic. Companies like Match Group, which owns Tinder, Hinge, and OKCupid, have reported substantial increases in subscriptions and user engagement. Amidst this shift, online sex—encompassing activities like sexting, exchanging nude photos, and mutual masturbation via video—has emerged as a popular means for forging intimacy despite physical distance, facilitated by platforms such as Zoom and FaceTime.
While technology widens our options, it also brings risks. Leading sex educators and cybersecurity experts highlight concerns like revenge porn (sharing intimate photos publicly without consent) and doxing (revealing private details online for harassment). The consequences—job loss, identity theft, and reputational damage—are severe, especially if platforms are used for any form of online infidelity.
Constructing an online sexual health toolkit, a set of best practices for privacy and security, becomes essential. Here are crucial steps to ensure a safer online sexual experience:
Choose Trusted Partners
Before engaging in any intimate communication or photo exchange, prioritize trust. Verify your partner's identity through methods like a Google search to cross-reference images and information with their provided details. Sharing content should only happen with individuals you completely trust to maintain privacy and respect boundaries.
Be Wary of 'Disappearing' Messages
Features like self-destructing messages or screenshot blockers can create a false sense of security. Always acknowledge the potential for the other party to capture content through alternative means, such as using another device. Trust in your partner's respect for your privacy is essential regardless of the app's features.
Opt for Secure Apps
Utilize messaging applications equipped with end-to-end encryption, such as Signal, Telegram, or WhatsApp. Signal, particularly recommended by experts, provides robust security measures to safeguard your conversations, images, and videos from unauthorized access.
Employ a VPN
Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) offer an added layer of security by masking your IP address and encrypting your browsing activities. It's crucial to choose reputable VPNs like ExpressVPN or Private Internet Access (PIA) to ensure the highest level of online interaction security and privacy.
Secure Passwords and Avoid Incognito Mode
Avoid saving sensitive information or passwords within browsers. Employ password manager tools like LastPass to generate and securely store complex passwords. Additionally, don't solely rely on Incognito mode for privacy; it doesn't offer comprehensive protection.
Minimize Identifiable Features
When sharing images, be mindful of revealing identifiable traits like tattoos or distinctive elements that could expose your identity. Consider using blurring tools or different angles to obscure or minimize identifiable features in photos.
Scrub Metadata from Photos
Remove metadata, such as EXIF data, from photos before sharing to prevent revealing details like location, timestamps, and device information. Various tools and apps are available to help scrub metadata from images before sending them.
Choose Secure Video Platforms
For video communication, prioritize platforms like FaceTime or Signal that offer end-to-end encryption and robust privacy features. These platforms ensure that your video conversations remain secure and private.
Beware of Catfishing
Remain cautious of potential catfishing scenarios where someone might misrepresent themselves online. Trust your instincts and verify authenticity by conducting reverse-image searches or cross-referencing information provided by the other person.
Securely Store Content
If you need to save sensitive content, opt for offline storage options like encrypted external hard drives or USB sticks. Avoid relying solely on cloud-based services for storing such private content to maintain control over its security and access.
By familiarizing yourself with laws on revenge porn and prioritizing online security, you can mitigate risks, but total elimination of hazards remains impossible. Ultimately, assessing whether the reward outweighs the risk is crucial.
