In the dating world, with increasing options for how to connect with new people, it's becoming especially important to take care of ourselves and stay safe.
Sometimes that means Google-searching our dates before going out with them.
Fortunately for Shaina Kay Cardwell, she did a search for her latest dating match on Hinge, because what she found was startling.
Cardwell shared what happened on TikTok, in a video that garnered more than 36-thousand views.
You can watch the video here:
@shainakaycardwell better not #comfortfood #astrology #cashapp13plus #MyBrawlSuper
While doing her Google search, Cardwell discovered that her potential date had been arrested, and it wasn't for stealing candy bars.
Showing a shocked expression in the video, Cardwell captioned the video:
"When I was about to go on a Hinge date, I decided to Google him and saw he was arrested for aggravated kidnapping."
Along with the extensive views, the video also received extensive comments from fellow TikTokkers who also had been on or knew of dates that went horribly wrong because of behavior that could have been Googled first.
Some agreed with what Caldwell suggested in the video.
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Others recalled their own instances of Googling first.
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Some said they wished they had Googled first.
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Among these comments also was a request for a follow-up.
"So what happened next? Did you confront him, or was it a straightforward block and delete situation?"
In a second video, Cardwell explained she was simply laying low rather than confronting her date.
Cardwell explained:
"I told him I realized I actually wasn't ready to date again yet and then proceeded to block him on all social media platforms."
You can watch the video here:
@shainakaycardwell Reply to @temitayo87 & now this tik tok has over 200K views so, if ur seeing this - it’s all love. #WhenRiftanSays #ThanksandGiving #MakeABunchHappen
Cardwell's mind was likely still spinning from what she uncovered about the date she almost went on, but by distancing herself, hopefully, she took enough precautions.
Fortunately by sharing an experience like this on social media, it may make others more aware of the dangers that still lurk in the world and what precautions we should be taking, especially in something as vulnerable as our dating lives.