How to Screen People on Feeld: Safety Checklist (2026)

Feeld attracts interesting people—but like any dating app, it also attracts some you'll want to avoid. Smart screening helps you find genuine connections while protecting yourself from bad actors.

This guide gives you a practical checklist for vetting matches before you meet.

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Why Screening Matters

What You're Screening For

• Fake profiles / catfishing
• People misrepresenting their situation
• Boundary-pushers and predators
• Unicorn hunters (if you're avoiding them)
• People whose communication style doesn't fit yours
• Potential safety risks

The Goal

Not paranoia—just smart assessment. Most people on Feeld are genuine. Screening helps you find them faster and avoid the ones who aren't.

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Profile Red Flags

Visual Red Flags

🚩 Only one photo

• Could be fake or hiding something
• Ask for more before meeting

🚩 All photos are professional/edited

• May be catfishing
• Ask for casual photos

🚩 Photos don't match (different people, varying ages)

• Possible fake profile
• Reverse image search suspicious ones

🚩 No face photos but requesting yours

• Asymmetric privacy expectations
• Okay if explained, concerning if demanded

🚩 Group photos only

• Which person are they?
• Ask for clarification

Bio Red Flags

🚩 Empty bio

• Low effort, possibly not serious
• May be hiding intentions

🚩 "Ask me anything" type bios

• Zero information to screen with
• Makes you do all the work

🚩 Negativity-focused ("no drama," "don't waste my time")

• Often indicates drama-prone people
• Hostility before you've even talked

🚩 Overly sexual immediately (depending on your goals)

• May only want hookups
• May not respect boundaries

🚩 No mention of ENM/relationship structure

• Are they actually non-monogamous?
• Are they cheating?

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Messaging Red Flags

Early Conversation Warning Signs

🚩 Immediate explicit messages

• Doesn't match your stated boundaries
• Likely sends this to everyone

🚩 Won't answer direct questions

• Evasive about relationship status
• Vague about what they're looking for
• Dodges logistics questions

🚩 Pressuring for personal info early

• Phone number immediately
• Address or workplace
• Social media before you're comfortable

🚩 Moving way too fast

• "You're different from everyone else"
• Love bombing in early messages
• Intense emotional investment before meeting

🚩 Inconsistent stories

• Details don't add up
• Changes what they said before
• Can't keep their story straight

Communication Style Red Flags

🚩 Only messages late at night

• Might be hiding you from someone
• May only see you as a late-night option

🚩 Disappears then reappears

• Inconsistent availability
• May be juggling lies

🚩 Gets upset when you don't respond fast

• Early sign of controlling behavior
• Unreasonable expectations

🚩 Boundary testing in messages

• Pushes when you say no
• "Just joking" after inappropriate comments
• Tests how much they can get away with

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Verification Steps

Before Meeting

Do:

• Video chat first (verifies they look like photos)
• Exchange social media (shows a real life exists)
• Google their name + city (public info, LinkedIn, etc.)
• Reverse image search their photos
• Talk enough to get a feel for them

Ask:

• What are you looking for?
• What's your relationship situation?
• Does your partner know? (if they claim one)
• What does ENM look like for you?

The Video Call Test

A short video call reveals:

• They look like their photos
• They can hold a conversation
• Their vibe matches messaging
• No major red flags in how they present

If someone refuses a video call before meeting, that's worth noting.

Social Media Check

When you connect on social:

• Does their life look real?
• Is their relationship status consistent with what they told you?
• Do they have friends, history, normal human presence?
• Any red flags in how they interact publicly?

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Screening for Couples

Verifying Couple Profiles

If matching with a couple:

• Is it both people or just one?
• Have you communicated with both?
• Are they both equally interested?
• Does the "other" partner actually exist and consent?

Questions to Ask Couples

• "Will I be able to meet/video call both of you before we meet?"
• "Are you both equally interested, or is this more one person's interest?"
• "How long have you been practicing ENM?"
• "What does your ideal dynamic look like?"

Unicorn Hunter Warning Signs

If you're avoiding unicorn hunters:

• "Looking for a third" language
• One person does all the talking
• Couples privilege isn't acknowledged
• "She's bi-curious" (experimenting on you)
• Strict rules about what you can/can't do

See our unicorn hunting red flags guide for more.

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First Meeting Safety

Before You Go

• Tell a friend where you're going and who with
• Share your date's profile with someone
• Have your own transportation
• Meet in a public place
• Check in with someone during/after

First Date Choices

Good first date spots:

• Coffee shops
• Bars (public area)
• Restaurants
• Parks (daytime, populated)

Avoid for first meetings:

• Their home
• Your home
• Isolated locations
• Anywhere you can't easily leave

During the Date

Trust your gut:

• If something feels off, leave
• You don't owe them more time
• "I need to go" is a complete sentence
• Have an exit strategy ready

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The Screening Conversation

Questions That Reveal Character

Low-pressure questions that show a lot:

• "What does ethical non-monogamy mean to you?"
• "How do you handle conflict?"
• "What's your relationship with your other partner(s) like?"
• "What happened in your last relationship/connection?"
• "What are you not looking for?"

How They Respond Matters

Notice:

• Do they answer directly or evade?
• Do they get defensive at reasonable questions?
• Do they ask about you too?
• Are they curious or just selling themselves?

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When to Unmatch

It's Okay to End It If:

• They push when you set a boundary
• Stories don't add up
• They refuse verification
• Your gut says something's wrong
• They're disrespectful
• They don't meet your basic standards

You Don't Owe Anyone:

• An explanation
• A second chance
• The benefit of the doubt
• Your time or energy

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Related Guides

• Red Flags When Dating as ENM
• How to Talk About STI Testing
• Feeld Openers That Actually Work
• Consent in DMs

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Screen with Confidence

Smart screening isn't paranoid—it's wise. Poise helps you ask the right questions, spot red flags early, and navigate early conversations with clarity and confidence.

Download Poise and screen your matches effectively.