Internet EntrepreneurCraigslist Personals was once a popular section on Craigslist where people could find dates, friends, or casual encounters. Unfortunately, Craigslist took down this section in 2018 after the United States government put pressure on them due to fears that the website would facilitate illegal activities like human trafficking and prostitution. Millions of users who were using or planning to use the service were shocked and left wondering what alternatives to the platform existed.
Why Did Craigslist Personals Get Shut Down?
Craigslist Personals has long been an uninterrupted service catering to users looking for anything from casual hook-ups to full-fledged relationships. But in April 2018, Craigslist faced pressure to remove this feature or face legal consequences. This was in large part due to the passing of the FOSTA-SESTA, which put the legal responsibility on websites that host content that could encourage human trafficking and prostitution.
Craigslist was and still is known for its wide range of online communication channels. With the free speech structure in place, one would easily be allowed to create personal connections to those who share similar interests. Unfortunately, the government imposed a level of scrutiny that was far too difficult to contain and risked keeping the Personals section live. So, after the removal, Craigslist was quoted saying their deletion was done to comply with the law.
What Does the Shutdown of Craigslist Personals Mean for Users?
The removal of this section left a lot of people in need of alternative platforms. It is worth noting however that there are quite a few other sites that serve the same function while being safe and legal. For those who used Craigslist for seeking companionship or dating, the discontinuation of this feature acted as a massive gap jump. Let’s discuss some of those best alternatives that still do the same as the now-defunct ‘Craigslist Personals’.
Where else can I find services like Craigslist Personals?
Even with the removal of Craigslist Personals, people searching for companionship, dates, or specific services can rely on several other sites. One of Craigslist Personals’ best alternatives is obackpage. Let’s discuss what makes obackpage such a sought after service for former Craigslist users.
Why Is obackpage the Best Alternative?
When looking for a site that serves the same purpose as Craigslist Personals, obackpage is one of the first options to pop up. Its popularity is due to its user-friendly design and easy navigation. obackpage allows users to post personal advertisements for dating, casual encounters, or even professional companionship.
What Makes obackpage Stand Out?
Wide Selection of Categories: obackpage has numerous categories that people can select from. In comparison to other sites, obackpage has something for every user, whether you’re just looking for a casual companion or have more advanced requirements. Finding someone who meets your expectations has been made so easy on obackpage because you can filter your search.
User-Friendly Interface: A great advantage of obackpage is how easy to use its interface is. You can filter through ads according to their location, service type, and other preferences, which allows you to locate what you are looking for very easily without combing through numerous irrelevant ad listings.
Global Reach: obackpage has an advantage over Craigslist Personals which was restricted to a certain geographical location. Wherever you are, in a big city or a small town, you will find your share of companion and personal service ads around you or wherever you may be traveling.
Discreet and Secure: obackpage has put a lot of emphasis on privacy and discretion. Users can benefit from the platform’s features without having to worry about their personal information being disclosed. When it comes to dealing with personal or intimate ads, secure means of communication which obackpage provides is crucial.
Verified Listings: obackpage does its best to ensure that the platform maintains a high level of authenticity. Escort profiles, personal ads, and other listings are usually verified, so there is a high possibility that the users you are engaging with actually exist and are offering legitimate services.
In what ways is obackpage different from Craigslist Personals?
obackpage and Craigslist Personals both offer dating and companionship services, but there are some differences.
Search Options: obackpage has more specific searches using different filters which makes it easier for users to locate where they want to go and what services are offered there.
Content Moderation: Unlike Craigslist Personals which have content moderation at best lacking dynamically unchecked and unexplored areas, obackpage aims to make a safer space that has more user verification and content moderation.
Additional Features: obackpage has more services available like personal advertisements, escort services, companion services, and other services. It also has more niche advertisements such as those for specific fetishes or other unusual personal requirements.
Are there alternatives to Craigslist Personals?
In as much as obackpage passes as the leading contender, it doesn’t mark the end of alternatives to Craigslist Personals without further scrutiny from other sites targeting the same audience.
1. Backpage (Rebooted)
Much like Craigslist Personals, Backpage (Rebooted) allows its users to post and search for services ranging from dating to personal services. After the original Backpage was shut down in 2018, a new Backpage surfaced offering similar services.
2. 2backpage
2backpage is a reliable replacement for Craigslist Personals. It offers the option of posting personal ads for casual dating, professional services, and many other things. Its user interface resembles that of Craigslist, making it easy for everyone to use the site.
3. starbackpage
starbackpage is more suitable for users looking for an elite experience. The site specializes in high-class global escort and companionship services. While obackpage and starbackpage both serve private and professional escort services, starbackpage is more focused on luxurious and elite services. This site is meant for users looking for premium escorts or companions that offer more than simple engagements.
4. AdultFriendFinder
You can use AdultFriendFinder which is famous for adult dating. The site is very popular in the online dating world and has a large customer base. This site provides users the option to have relationships ranging from casual to serious and has existed for a number of years.
5. Seeking.com
Seeking.com is one of the more popular dating sites. The site has recently been upgraded from Seeking Arrangement. It offers a wide range of encounters, from casual to serious. Unlike traditional dating places, Seeking is popular for “mutually beneficial” arrangements.
What Are the Risks of Using Personal Ads Platforms?
As with any online service, it’s best to stay on the safe side when using personal ads platforms. obackpage and 2backpage do their best to ensure safety and security, but any website that deals with personal services comes with a few risks.
Scams: The main problem with people who use personal ad services are not authentic. Always be on guard, for there are many malicious users that try to exploit vulnerable people. Until you are sure that the ad is real, avoid sharing stomach-sensitive details. You won’t be disappointed.
Privacy Concerns: Always prioritize safety, but trust has the potential to be exploited, even for trustworthy services. It’s prudent not to offer too much data, while making sure to use the captive messaging systems as opposed to emails or social media accounts.
Legal Issues: Where you are located can, for some people, make them fall under the local law for their personal ads. Always be careful making posts as there are in personal ads platforms.
FAQs
Q: Is obackpage a safe Craigslist Personals alternative?
A: Yes, obackpage aims to be safer than Craigslist’s personal ad section as it puts focus on user privacy and verification ensuring users are not scammers.
Q: Are casual encounters available on obackpage?
A: Yes, casual encounters are included in the obackpage platform alongside dating and many other categories. Great for anyone who wants flexible companionship plans.
Q: Are there other services like Craigslist Personals?
A: Yes, Backpage (Rebooted), 2backpage and starbackpage are alternatives that serve the same personal, dating and companionship advertisements as Craigslist Personals.
Q: Is obackpage free to use?
A: Yes, browsing and posting personal ads on obackpage is free. Services such as escorting or other paid services will come at a fee.
Conclusion
The termination of Craigslist Personals defaulted numerous users without finding a suitable alternative. Despite the wide range of features that Craigslist Personals provided, websites like obackpage, 2backpage, and starbackpage seem to have taken up that slack. obackpage is a well-secured and easy-to-navigate site that offers a wide range of services for those looking for companionship, dating or even personal services. It serves the exact target audience that used to rely on Craigslist Personals.
As it is with all websites, a user needs to be prudent and vigilant about personal safety and security risks. In using obackpage, 2backpage and other alternatives, users should make it a point to safeguard their safety and privacy when looking for personal ads.
