People need people. They crave human contact, both emotionally and physically. But is it as easy to find someone to rely upon as it sounds? No. Young people often complain that they are unable to attract someone they’d want a romantic relationship with. Consequently, they have turned to internet websites to find ‘their person’ and start using online dating websites.
Currently, there are numerous websites and apps such as tinder, bumble, hinge, etc that offer online dating services to their users. With the increasing number of users, it is becoming more and more familiar to meet and date people via the internet.
What is online dating?
As per the literal definition, online dating is ‘searching for your potential significant other via the internet.’ These websites store a large database containing user’s information and preferences. When a user comes across someone they are interested in, they are offered various modes of messaging on the app itself, where no personal information is exchanged. These websites can be paid or free, depending on the features offered.
Why is online dating gaining popularity?
As unusual as it may sound, online dating is becoming increasingly popular day by day. Companies are frequently introducing new apps with different features and algorithms. Online dating has mixed reviews and references. Some people found their significant other whereas some couldn’t land one single date. Few have satisfying relationships whereas few are frustrated with their experience. People have limitless choices, irrespective of distance and any other factor. These apps offer free basic versions, thereby, attracting more and more users every day.
Pros and cons of online dating
There are two sides to every story. Similarly, online dating comes with its share of advantages and disadvantages.
Pros
Limitless access
Online dating has provided individuals with limitless access to their potential partners. This is extremely favorable for people who live in an environment where meeting someone who is not engaged in any sort of romantic relationship is difficult. It is also very helpful for those who do not have a large social circle where the possibilities of meeting new people are high. These apps offer countless profiles to connect with.
Matching
Before signing up on any dating site, a simple personality test is taken to store your preferences. Similar profiles are then shown to you using these details. Consequently, your chances of matching are significantly increased. If your beliefs and thoughts are important and you want someone who will share those thoughts with you, then online dating can do your work. They will also allow you to change your preferences anytime you want and help you find someone compatible with your personality. With the introduction of dating sites, gone are days of awkward blind dates.
Introverts
Dating apps are especially beneficial for those who are shy and are not confident in approaching people in real life. It is a godsend for introverts. You can now express your thoughts and feelings via pictures, messages, and videos. Gone are the days when you had to keep it all in due to a lack of confidence and just go with the flow. It also gives you the time to think before speaking, without the fear of awkwardly prolonging the conversation.
Smooth conversation
Introverts or extroverts, everyone is scared about the big “what will they think?” somewhere. One tends to think before speaking. While it is good to speak decently, it is equally important to express your thoughts without hesitation. When you meet someone unfamiliar on a dating site, people are more open about what they are looking for. Because of being strangers, they do not deeply care about each other’s opinions and communicate openly.
New people
When you look for people to date online, you cross paths with people you have never met. You are completely new to each other and start your relationship from zero. While meeting people in real life through mutual friends, you often worry about their romantic history and make the whole situation awkward. The ship sinks before it could even start. This is, however, eliminated in an online dating scenario.
Safety
Most of the dating apps are safe to use. They verify users digitally and put a badge next to their name to let other users know. Even after matching two users, their in-built messaging features offer communication without exchanging personal information.
Cons
Confusion
Dating sites offer countless profiles to their users every day. This can be overwhelming and confusing. Few users will be compatible with some personalities and few users will be compatible with some other personalities. This can create frustration as it forces the user to prioritize their preferences.
Inaccuracy
While dating sites claim their results to be scientifically accurate, this cannot be true. One cannot list down human personalities into few categories, making it impossible to create perfectly accurate matches.
Incomplete communication
No matter how advanced technology can become, it will always lack the human touch. One can never have the conversation as smooth as they can physically. One might not feel comfortable enough to share their emotions via electrical devices. This poses a barrier to human intimacy and leads to unsuccessful relationships.
Conclusion
Like every other innovation, online dating comes with its own merits and demerits. Several users have experienced satisfying relationships while several have not. With the increasing popularity, one can feel socially obligated to use these apps and websites. However, it is always better to do what you are comfortable with. If online dating does not work well with you, there is no point. Prioritize yourself.
For more articles, click here: THINGS COUPLE CAN DO TO MAKE EACH OTHER HAPPY
Sources
1. https://www.psychologytoday.com/intl/blog/the-attraction-doctor/201404/pros-and-cons-online-dating
2. https://familiesforlife.sg/discover-an-article/Pages/The-Pros-and-Cons-of-Online-Dating.aspx
3. https://www.eharmony.com/pros-cons-online-dating/
