Anyone who’s been in the dating game for a while now knows that the first thing you do before going on a date with someone new is check their social media. What you call “stalking,” I call “research.” Aside from making sure that your date isn’t a catfish or a serial killer, there’s a lot you can tell about a person by what they choose to post online.
Sure, people typically create a persona for themselves on social media that isn’t exactly aligned with who they are in real life. I mean, that’s why it’s social media — we tend to post the best versions of ourselves… or at least what we think these “best versions” look like. But even after considering that you’re not getting the full picture from someone’s Instagram or TikTok (please do not date ANYONE who still has a Snapchat), there are little nuggets of information you can discern from your date’s social media presence.
And because I’ve dated the worst kind of people, I can help you navigate through what social media signs are: green flags, red flags, and everything in between. Here’s what your date’s social media says about them.
Hasn’t posted in 32 weeks
They’ve gotten ugly in 32 weeks or they just had a kid they don’t want you to know about.
They’re a lurker
If you and your date already exchanged social media prior to your first date, you’re probably noticing some things about your interactions online. For example, if they don’t have any posts but they’re watching your stories religiously, they have “creep” in their DNA. But then again, you’re reading this article so maybe it’s meant to be.
Posts more than seven stories a day
They are either aiming to become a social media influencer or they’re jobless. Either way, proceed with caution.
Has a blue check
Unless you’re going on a date with an actual celebrity (get that bag), your date having a blue check means that they paid for a blue check. Let that sink in. They pay a monthly fee to appear more important than they are. Barf.
Heavily filtered selfies
Don’t get me wrong, back in the day I was all over the dog filter. But it is 2024. And while a cute Instagram filter here and there is fine, if you see your date heavily filtering every single selfie they take, run. They will cheat on you. Just trust me on this one.
They comment on celebrities’ pictures
If they’re leaving comments under pictures of a celebrity that will absolutely never acknowledge them or know of their existence, ICK. And if they’re leaving thirsty comments? Cancel the date!
They only contact you via DM
If you and your date already have each other’s numbers but they refuse to message you anywhere else besides your Instagram DMs, this is not a date but a booty call.
No social media presence whatsoever
If this is actually true and they’re not just hiding their social media from you (and a secret family) then close this article and go enjoy a date with the love of your life. Anyone who doesn’t have social media (especially a man) is a godsend. Sure, they won’t get your meme or TikTok references, but that just means you’re going to seem like the funniest person on earth to them.
Has dollar signs in their bio
Scammer.
