Thanks to online dating platforms, we don’t have to rely entirely on our friends and expanded social network or fate to find a potential match today. Online dating has empowered us to break down the common barriers and connect with people from different circles, cities—and even countries.
Certain apps have features that allow you to change your location or select a specific city around the globe to find authentic connections with locals or even fellow explorers. Viber Dating, the online dating platform of messaging app Viber, now offers Traveler Mode which allows foreign tourists and travelers to access the platform while in the Philippines. For local users, this means getting an opportunity to meet new people from different cultures.
Yet, getting this level of access to a wave of profiles, personality types, and backgrounds also makes online dating feel overwhelming. Here’s the thing: the secret to ensuring a positive online dating experience is learning how to spot flags early and filter genuine profiles based on bios and conversations alone. Viber Dating shares how green flags stand out in this vast sea of online avatars and how they signal safety, emotional maturity, and authenticity despite the lack of physical cues.
The Open Book. This might sound like a given in online dating, but a profile that is complete with the verification badge and shows a variety of photos may turn out to be something worth a match. Look further, as a true green flag’s gallery should include recent, filter-free, and crisp photos that clearly show their face and glimpses of their actual life, like a photo of them at work or enjoying a hobby. Their bio reflects their personality, showcasing their interests, humor, or even values that matter most to them. It should feel like they took the time to introduce themselves to you—a profile that exudes a welcoming, positive energy and enthusiasm to build connections.
The Curious. Once you match, check how they respond to you. Do they engage with you and ask you open-ended questions? A green flag understands that joining a dating platform requires them to initiate conversations and interactions—the effort should be two-way. They are curious about you and your life, and they ask the necessary questions to help them get to know you better. They don’t turn chats into monologues. Instead, your conversations with them feel like a rhythmic tennis rally. Each shot is returned with the same rigor and effort.
The Considerate. Having a curious match is well and good, but replying to their messages pronto may not be possible every single time. You have a life outside online dating! A great match will consider your availability and respect your boundaries. Their consideration goes beyond this, too. They will never force you to give personal information like your phone number or social media account.
While online dating platforms, such as Viber Dating－a platform designed with a hybrid system of AI and human moderation, allows meaningful connections, it is still important to know how to spot the inevitable red flags. Viber Dating provides ways to spot and manage these possible red flags you’ll meet in your search for The One.
The Fraudster. No profile photos? No bio? No match. A lack of photos, and even using stock, heavily filtered, or someone else’s photos often suggest the person is hiding their true identity. In the world of online dating, this can be a warning sign of a love scam.
Be wary if they go overboard with the pet names and profess love within days and bring up tragic stories like sick relatives or emergencies that may guilt-trip you into sending them money as well as too-good-to-be-true investment opportunities that require you to download new apps or wire transfers. These are the usual tactics of love scammers whose goal is usually financial extortion and investment fraud. Apart from disengaging, these profiles should be reported so no other individuals fall for these fraudsters, especially when they start asking for money and personal and financial information or keep lying about their true identity.
The Nega Star. Profiles that show hostile or negative language usually contain a list of specific demands and ultimatums, instead of preferences. They tend to use a threatening tone (“match my energy or be left on read”) or focus on indicators of wealth (“should own a car”). Their bios often include lines that sound bitter and cynical (“no to those who can’t handle me”) or they may contain expletives, which indicate potential toxic behavior and lack of control over their emotions.
The Barely Bare Minimum. Unlike the Nega Star, the profile of this user doesn’t say much about them as a person. They only contain a few vague photos and their bios may only include a “just ask” prompt. Not putting their best self forward already speaks volume–maybe online dating is just a hobby and they’re not really interested in a serious relationship. Matching with this person will likely bring you conversations that rarely go beyond “wyd?”. Just say bye to Mr. Bare Minimum.
No matter where you look for love, learning to identify the various flags is key for every modern dater. With features like Viber Dating’s Traveler Mode that lets you connect with new people, having a sharp eye for healthy green flags and a strong radar for toxic red flags can make the search for genuine connections and that one true love in these modern times more fun and even meaningful.