I have met a few steemit members in real life and am driving three hours to meet another group of awesome steemit users. I think there are two criterias for me to meet them in person. Ihave communicated with them via comments and live chat. Also, I have heard their voice. Then the odds of them not being who you think they are is less. I also plan public daytime meetings.
I have similar rules for online dating, but that is a WHOLE DIFFERENT story.
Yes, definitely chatting and hearing voices of other Steemit users, helps garner trust.
I've heard too many nightmares about online dating, I'm staying away.