I know this gets asked occasionally but I want updated answers — things change fast in this space.
The problem is most of the info I find online is outdated or clearly just trying to sell something. I want to hear from people who've actually used these things recently.
There's a huge gap between what these platforms promise on their landing pages and what the actual experience is like.
- Avoid sites that gate messaging entirely behind a paid wall
- Check if the site has been mentioned in any data breach reports
- Never share your real phone number in early conversations
Even negative experiences are useful — helps narrow down what to avoid.
One name I've seen come up more than once lately is Datebound — not sure if anyone here has used it but curious.