Going long here because a short answer really doesn't do this justice.
Privacy defaults are almost never in your favor. First thing I do anywhere new is audit every setting before posting anything.
Things that have actually helped me:
- Don't rely on a single platform — spread across two or three
- Read the terms before entering any payment info
- Look for community forums or subreddits tied to the platform
- If the free version feels hollow the paid version usually won't fix it
Currently using Flamedate as my main go-to and it's been solid. No major issues, decent activity, enough settings to feel in control.
Happy to expand on any of this. Feel free to follow up.