Date: 13th February 2025
Time: 1400h – 1500h EAT
Platform: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_ZK5_wEbLQVe3e92QMZfpsw
Organized by: KICTANet
1. Background
Is Love Just a Swipe Away?
Love—the most exhilarating yet unpredictable human experience. For centuries, people have searched for it in poetry, songs, and handwritten letters. Today, finding love seems easier than ever—just a swipe, a DM, or a well-crafted bio on a dating app. But in a world where algorithms match hearts and romance plays out online, the quest for love has become even more complex than ever.
In Kenya, the digital dating scene is booming, with Tiktok, Tinder, Bumble, and Badoo (and many more) becoming common ways to meet people, alongside Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), and Facebook. But for every successful love story, there’s another of heartbreak, deception, and even danger. Both men and women are increasingly facing risks in the digital dating space, from catfishing and romance scams to deep fake blackmail and online gender-based violence (OGBV).
Recent cases in Kenya reveal the dark side of digital romance. Scammers have stolen millions from unsuspecting victims, using fake identities and emotional manipulation to lure people into financial traps. AI-generated deep fake nudes have been used to blackmail individuals, and social media has become a battleground for public humiliation, revenge porn, and impersonation.Meanwhile, bots and AI-generated accounts on platforms like Telegram and WhatsApp have raised concerns about fake relationships and digital manipulation.
As Valentine’s Day approaches, the pressure to be in a relationship intensifies. Whether it’s the fear of being alone or the need to meet societal expectations, many people let their guard down while searching for love online. Unfortunately, this makes them vulnerable to exploitation.
This event isn’t about discouraging online dating—it’s about helping people navigate digital romance safely. What are the red flags to look out for? How do you protect yourself from digital deception? And if something goes wrong, what legal and digital security measures can you take?
Join KICTANet for an informal yet eye-opening conversation on the good, the bad, and the ugly sides of online dating. We’ll share real-life experiences, expert insights, and practical tips to help you find love without losing your privacy, dignity, or finances.
2. Objectives
- To promote and encourage safe and responsible online dating experiences for both men and women.
- To raise awareness about digital dating risks, including catfishing, deepfake blackmail, and romance scams.
- To equip participants with practical safety tips and tools for protecting their privacy and security online.
- To foster conversations on digital trust, consent, and ethical AI use in online relationships.
- To highlight real-life Kenyan experiences of online dating challenges and how to navigate them safely.
