Fake Date Game is the simulated game experience, developed by Edith Cowan University (ECU) Research fellow Dr Oliver Guidetti where players can learn to discern between real and fake online profiles on dating apps helping them to potentially spot a romance scammer.
In 2023 romance baiting scams cost victims a collective $40 million, with Scamwatch receiving over 480 reports.
“I designed the Fake Date Game to empower individuals with actionable skills in identifying, protecting against, responding to, and recovering from romance scams,” ECU’s Oliver Guidetti said.
“I’m excited to be offering an insight into the technical nuances of the game and how these complement human vulnerabilities that romance scammers target.”
Saving users from heartbreak
Fake Date Game promotes prosocial discourse in online dating by modelling and encouraging behaviours that foster respectful, safe, and genuine interactions.
By showing users how to give genuine compliments, respect personal boundaries, and engage in mutual interests, the game teaches users the importance of positive reinforcement, active listening, and shared experiences.
Highlighting the negative impact of inappropriate language and manipulative tactics educates users on maintaining appropriate behaviour and recognising deceit.
“This emphasises the gradual build-up of trust, privacy, and mutual safety concerns encourages a sense of security and consideration for others,” Dr Guidetti said.
“These examples then guide players to practice behaviours that lead to respectful, engaging, and safe interactions, fostering a healthier online dating culture.”
Users of the Fake Date app can select the age, gender, and sexual identity of two characters to start the game. They will watch an animated playback of a dating app conversation between the selected characters.
After the conversation, users will guess the outcome, such as whether it led to a date or a romance scam. The app then reveals if the guess was correct and explains the conversation’s result.
Dr Guidetti’s plan is to develop Fake Date into a smartphone app that includes LGBTQ+ scenarios and a broader range of age demographics that users can download and play.
“My long-term vision for the game is for it to serve as a crucial tool in having essential discussions with kids and young adults about safe and respectful online discourse,” he said.
“It’s about tackling romance scams and filling that role model gap in online dating behaviour. FakeDate aims to foster a safer and more respectful online dating environment by teaching users to recognise and avoid scams and promoting positive interactions. Ultimately, I hope the game will be widely adopted in educational settings and by online dating platforms to enhance online safety and user experience.”
