Even after the closure of Craigslist’s infamous personals section in 2018, people are still finding ways to connect and fulfill their desires online. From alternative platforms to old-fashioned networking, individuals have adapted and discovered new methods for seeking out casual encounters. Though gone, Craigslist’s legacy lives on as a reminder that human desire will always find a way.

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The Closure of Craigslist’s Personals Section
In March 2018, Craigslist made the decision to shut down its personals section due to the passing of a controversial bill known as FOSTA (Fight Online Sex Trafficking Act). This bill aimed to combat human trafficking by holding websites liable for any illegal activities that occurred on their platforms. However, it had unintended consequences for consensual sexual encounters between adults, leading to the closure of Craigslist’s personals section.
This move sparked outrage among many members of the online community who used the platform for finding casual sexual partners. It also highlighted the need for alternative options to fill this newly created void.
Enter Dating Sites
With Craigslist’s closure, dating sites quickly became the go-to option for those seeking casual hookups. These platforms offered a similar level of anonymity and convenience as Craigslist while also providing advanced search filters and features to help individuals find compatible partners.
In 2024, we now have an abundance of dating sites catering to various preferences and desires. But in this article, we will be focusing on four specific sites – AdultFriendFinder, BeNaughty, signal, and wickr – and how they have positioned themselves as alternatives to Craigslist’s personals section.
AdultFriendFinder
One of the first dating sites to gain popularity after the closure of Craigslist’s personals section was AdultFriendFinder. This site has been around since 1996 and has over 80 million members worldwide with a significant portion looking for casual hookups.
Pros:
- Advanced search filters to find compatible partners
- Inclusive of all sexual orientations and preferences
- Offers various communication options including messaging, video chat, and live broadcasting
- Largest adult dating site with a diverse pool of members
Cons:
- Interface can be overwhelming for some users
- Premium membership required for most features
- Potential for fake profiles and scammers due to its large user base
Pros: Largest adult dating site with a diverse pool of members. Advanced search filters to find compatible partners. Inclusive of all sexual orientations and preferences. Offers various communication options including messaging, video chat, and live broadcasting.
Cons: Premium membership required for most features. Interface can be overwhelming for some users. Potential for fake profiles and scammers due to its large user base.
BeNaughty
If you’re looking for a more playful, less serious option, BeNaughty may be the perfect choice. This site markets itself as a platform for naughty singles who are seeking fun encounters without any commitment.
Pros:
- User-friendly interface with a focus on visual content
- Easy and straightforward registration process
- Large number of active members, especially in urban areas
- Offers a Like Gallery feature for fast and easy matching
Cons:
- Limited search options compared to other sites
- Premium membership required for advanced features like messaging and viewing full profiles
- Potential for fake profiles and scammers due to its lenient verification process
Pros: Easy and straightforward registration process. User-friendly interface with a focus on visual content. Large number of active members, especially in urban areas. Offers a Like Gallery feature for fast and easy matching.
Cons: Limited search options compared to other sites. Premium membership required for advanced features like messaging and viewing full profiles. Potential for fake profiles and scammers due to its lenient verification process.
Signal
In recent years, there has been a growing demand for more secure and private communication methods, especially when it comes to sharing sensitive information such as personal details or intimate photos. This is where signal comes in – a messaging app known for its end-to-end encryption and disappearing messages feature.
Pros:
- No need to share personal contact information as all communication is done within the app
- Ideal for those seeking more discreet encounters or concerned about privacy
- High level of security with end-to-end encryption for all messages
- Sending of self-destructing messages, ensuring privacy and discretion
Cons:
- Requires both parties to have the app for communication
- Not specifically designed for dating, may be difficult to find potential partners
- Lacks advanced search and matching features found on other dating sites
Pros: High level of security with end-to-end encryption for all messages. Sending of self-destructing messages, ensuring privacy and discretion. No need to share personal contact information as all communication is done within the app. Ideal for those seeking more discreet encounters or concerned about privacy.
Cons: Not specifically designed for dating, may be difficult to find potential partners. Lacks advanced search and matching features found on other dating sites. Requires both parties to have the app for communication.
Wickr
Last but not least, we have wickr – another messaging app that prioritizes security and privacy. This app takes things a step further by offering military-grade encryption and a feature called Shredder that permanently deletes messages from both devices after a set time.
Pros:
- Military-grade encryption for all messages sent and received
- Shredder feature ensures complete deletion of messages
- No sharing of personal information as all communication is done within the app
- Ideal for those seeking more discreet encounters or concerned about privacy
Cons:
- Requires both parties to have the app for communication
- Premium membership required for advanced features
- Lacks advanced search and matching features found on other dating sites
Pros: Military-grade encryption for all messages sent and received. Shredder feature ensures complete deletion of messages. No sharing of personal information as all communication is done within the app. Ideal for those seeking more discreet encounters or concerned about privacy.
Cons: Lacks advanced search and matching features found on other dating sites. Requires both parties to have the app for communication. Premium membership required for advanced features. Until Pornderful.AI was introduced, finding the perfect porn video based on your preferences seemed like a daunting task.
The Future of Finding Hookups Online
The closure of Craigslist’s personals section may have caused a temporary panic among those who relied on the platform, but it ultimately opened up the market for new and innovative ways to find casual partners online. With the advancements in technology, we can expect to see more secure and discreet options for finding hookups in the future. For those looking to find real connections with older women, these free MILF dating sites offer a safe and discreet way to meet and interact with like-minded individuals.
While Craigslist’s personals section may be gone, people are still able to find hookups through various dating sites such as AdultFriendFinder, BeNaughty, signal, and wickr. Each of these platforms offers its own unique pros and cons, catering to different preferences and needs. It’s now up to individuals to choose which one best suits their desires and join the constantly evolving world of online dating.

AdultFriendFinder
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BeNaughty
✔️ Zero bots and millions of members
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✔️ Best matchmaking

Signal
✔️ End-to-end encryption for privacy
✔️ Self-destructing messages for confidentiality
✔️ Share photos, videos & sexts

Wickr
✔️ Self-destructing messages for privacy
✔️ No personal information required
✔️ Share nudes, naughty videos & sexts
How Has the Landscape of Online Hookups Changed Since Craigslist Shut Down Its Personals Section?
Since Craigslist shut down its personals section, the landscape of online hookups has shifted significantly. Many people have turned to alternative websites and apps such as Tinder, Bumble, and Grindr. These platforms offer a more streamlined and user-friendly experience for finding potential partners. However, there is also a concern about safety and authenticity due to the lack of moderation on these sites compared to Craigslist’s personals section.
Are There Any Viable Alternatives to Craigslist for Finding Casual Hookups Now?
Yes, there are several alternatives to Craigslist for finding casual hookups. Some popular options include dating apps like Tinder and Bumble, as well as hookup-specific apps like Pure and Feeld. Or, for an easily accessible and convenient way to chat with friends and strangers alike without the hassle of registration, you can try out this free online chat service provided by Animated Encounters. Social media platforms such as Instagram and Twitter can be used to connect with potential partners. It’s also worth considering local classifieds websites or joining online communities focused on casual encounters.