This is why it’s important to research your Tinder match before the first date

It’s perfectly normal to be curious about your Tinder man before meeting him in person. In fact, a little background check can be a wise move. Everyone gets a little curious sometimes and in this case, curiosity won’t necessarily kill the cat (as long as you keep it hush-hush). 

But how can you do this without crossing privacy boundaries? Here’s our guide to discreetly doing your research. 

1. Check his Instagram profile

First things first, check if your match has an Instagram account. No Instagram in 2024? That might seem a little suspicious. 

And even if he does have an Instagram, take a look at his follower count and posts. Does he have a suspiciously low following? A decent social media presence is a good sign he’s a real person. If you really want to get into it, go through the likes and comments on his posts, as well as his tagged pictures. Genuine accounts typically have a consistent level of engagement that matches their follower count. Additionally, you might want to check who he is following. A man following only a bunch of bikini models? Not the greatest first impression, in our opinion.

2. Google his name

Next, don’t forget that Google is your best friend. A quick search of his name might reveal more than you expected. Look out for any news articles, professional achievements, or dare we say, criminal records. Finding his name associated with a Nobel Prize is great (score!) Discovering he’s a part-time Ponzi scheme recruiter, not so much. 

3. Go through his LinkedIn profile

Let’s face it, knowing he’s employed is a major plus and LinkedIn can give you a peek into his professional life. A stable career can be a major win, especially if you’re dating to marry. But if he’s in between jobs or quitting to start his own company, that’s still alright (the market is tough nowadays, we get it). Just make sure his career moves aren’t a never-ending game of musical chairs. Unless, of course, you’re on the hunt for a stay-at-home boyfriend, in which case, feel free to skip this step entirely. 

4. Check mutual connections

If you’ve got any mutual connections with your Tinder match, you can reach out to them for some insider scoop. Though you might want to avoid his close friends (they’ll probably snitch) and try opting for some of his casual friends. You could bring it up when you bump into them at social gatherings, or you could always go through someone anonymously (if that makes you more comfortable.) They might offer valuable feedback or juicy stories that will either make you sigh with relief or have you running for the hills. After all, a friendly heads-up is better than discovering on date night that he has a collection of taxidermy animals (um, creepy). So, get the tea beforehand and avoid any surprises that could turn your romantic evening into a series of unfortunate events.

5. Reverse Image Search

Google once again comes in clutch. Use the reverse image search tab to ensure that his cute profile picture isn’t from iStock. Upload his picture to Google Images and see what pops up. If it’s appearing in numerous places with different names, red alert! He’s probably catfishing you and this is a sure sign to run. 

6. Review his dating profile

After you’ve surfed the web and gone through the various platforms, it’s time to circle back to his Tinder profile for a final analysis. Are there any inconsistencies? Did he say he’s 190 cm but looks the height like Daniel Radcliffe in his photos? Cross-check everything to make sure his story holds water. If things don’t add up, you might want to be a little more cautious before heading out with a suspected liar.

7. Trust your gut

Your intuition is the most powerful tool you have; your trusty sidekick in the world of dating. Women often have a built-in lie detector that can pick up on even the slightest hint of trouble. So if something feels off, chances are, there’s something off. It’s completely okay to cancel the date if you’re getting a bad vibe (and you don’t have to feel guilty about it.)

8. Stay ethical

Remember, it’s one thing to do a little online sleuthing (we all have a little FBI in us) but it’s another to completely invade his privacy. Stay within the boundaries while carrying out your investigation. Don’t try to physically stalk him or cross any lines that could put you behind bars. And keep your detective work discreet and legal.