Love is a fundamental human need. We all crave for it. In Kenya however, it has been listed on the 1000 ways to die for many young women.
Most people meet their significant others through their social circles or work/school functions. However, these pools can be relatively shallow. In the search for a potential date, more and more people are switching to less traditional methods.
Online dating has become people’s go-to, raising its popularity through the years. The popularity of online dating is being driven by several things, but a major factor is time. Online dating presents an effective solution to a serious problem. Browsing profiles isn’t nearly as time-consuming (or daunting) as mixing with people in a social context.
When people turn to online dating apps, they hope to make a connection, not end up as a victim. But authorities warn that as online dating sites grow in popularity, so do the risks.
Violence stemming from online dating apps has been on the rise globally and in the country. The most recent victim was the beauty queen Murang’a prison warder Pauline Wangari whose body was found bloodied, stabbed and naked in her house. Her assailant you ask? A first date from Facebook.
The suspect, Joseph Ochieng told the DCI officers in Murang’a that the murder occurred after the two met for the first time. He noted that they had known each other on Facebook for a while before they decided to meet.
The suspect is reported to have strangled Wangari after which she fell down and he thought he had killed her.
Sent into panic mode following the development, the suspect said he reached for a kitchen knife and stabbed her in the chest, neck and abdomen, and, thereafter, put the knife firmly in her grip in a bid to make it look like Wangari had killed herself.
As investigations continue, it is important for people to note that this case is not unique. Many have found themselves in such situations.
As we embrace technology, it is important to exercise caution while navigating through online dating.
People lie on their online dating profiles. Women mostly lie about their age while men lie about financial stability. They are all equally prone to ‘catfishing’ which refers to using photos of other more attractive people who aren’t them.
One of the big problems with online dating for women is that, although there are genuine relationship-seeking men on the sites, there are also plenty of guys on there simply looking for sex. While most people would agree that on average men are more eager for sex than women, it seems that many men make the assumption that if a woman has an online dating presence, she’s interested in sleeping with relative strangers.
Online dating does represent the convenience of being able to meet others that you possibly never would have otherwise, but women should be aware that they probably will receive rude/disgusting messages from horny guys, sexual propositions/requests, dick pics, and a lot of creepy vibes.
In Pauline’s case, they went straight home on their first meeting. This should be avoided if possible. because for starters this is a complete stranger. People can be manipulative and tell you the truth that is acceptable, but you don’t know what demons lurk in their closets.
Always think twice and observe any warning signs. If you do go on a date, it’s important to keep a close eye on your drink and food. We have heard so many stories of women getting date raped and ‘ruffied’ (where your food/drink is spiked or drugged). Never give out information relating to your bank account or Mpesa pin and balance.
If you can, always strive to pay half the bill. We all know there are people out there who believe that if they pay something for you, you have to pay it back in other ways.