Pros and Cons of Online Dating
Online Dating. It’s something that we have all heard about, but not all of us have tried it. From its invention in the 80s to the now thousands of networking sites, there is no doubt that it has certainly come a long way. According to many studies, it is the second-most-common way for couples to meet, meeting through friends ranked number one.
However, many individuals are still cautious of the idea, and understandably so. Chatting online can definitely be nerve-wracking, and with millions of individuals (some with negative intentions) doing the same thing, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. In this article, we are going to discuss ten different pros and cons of online dating. Time to answer that question “when will I meet my soulmate?”Sound interesting? Then let’s get started!
Pros:
You have access to more potential matches
Certainly, one of the best and most well-known advantages of online dating is that you can access more potential matches. Instead of limiting yourself to the people you are in contact with, you can browse hundreds of individuals you would never have met otherwise. Alongside this, with personality quizzes and preference settings, you can limit your search to find those with similar interests and hobbies. There are even dedicated websites that make the process even more comfortable.
Dating sites cater to specific interests, lifestyles, and even religions, making it easier for people to find their match with similar values and beliefs to connect. For example, there are dating sites for single parents, farmers, pet lovers, fitness enthusiasts, and more. These specialized dating sites can be helpful for people who are looking for someone with particular interests or backgrounds.
For instance, eHarmony is a popular online dating site that is known for its unique compatibility matching system, which uses a 29-dimension personality assessment to match individuals based on their compatibility in areas such as emotional temperament, social style, values, and beliefs. To discover more about the website’s features, make sure to read this in-depth eHarmony review by onlineforlove.com and make an informed decision.
Online communication is safe and convenient
Today, sending a message online is quick, easy, and straightforward. With instant messaging systems, you can chat back and forth as much as you like before meeting in person. Alongside this, according to Dating Insider, some websites have various forums, blog sections, and chatrooms to engage with even more potential matches. Are you receiving messages that you don’t want? Then that’s ok too. Most systems allow you to report or block unwanted dm’s so that you can focus on finding your soulmate.
More and more people are using it
According to pewresearch.org, three in ten US adults say that they have used an online dating service, and the numbers keep on rising. While it may have been a bit scandalous back in the day, it is now accepted as one of the most popular ways to find a partner. With new individuals signing up daily, you can find more matches without feeling uncomfortable. Just think of how many others are doing the same thing!
You can enjoy guilt-free dating
One of the biggest fears that many individuals have is feeling guilty while casually dating. By taking things online, this is no longer an issue, as everyone is chatting to different people all at the same time. Alongside this, if you don’t feel comfortable, you can leave the chat and continue on your search. This ease and light-hearted approach are one of the main reasons people turn to online dating.
Meeting up in person is much more comfortable
Having a blind date with someone for the first time can be extremely uncomfortable, especially if you don’t have any common interests. However, online dating makes the process much easier. By talking via messaging systems first, you have more to discuss when you actually get together, and you have already got all of the awkward questions out of the way!
Cons:
Creating your profile can be daunting
One of the first steps of online dating is to create your profile, and if you’re taking this seriously, it can be challenging. Uploading photos of yourself, filling in your hobbies and preferences isn’t exactly easy if you experience anxiety and are new to the process. Many individuals who start signing up actually leave when they get to this step, as they don’t know where to start.
It’s a crowded space
With so many individuals searching for that special someone, online dating platforms can certainly be classified as crowded. Having to weed through the different options takes time, and it could be a few days before you find a match. Yes, some websites can filter preferences, but all in all, it can be overwhelming, especially if you’re using multiple sites.
There will always be liars
If you’ve ever seen the show Catfish, then you understand how easy it is for some individuals to lie on their profiles. What you might think is a 25-year-old girl could be a 50-year-old man from an entirely different state. On a smaller scale, someone may lie about their job or even use an altered profile picture. No matter how hard dating websites try to remove these liars, they will always be there. So alongside the stresses of searching, you need to be extra vigilant.
It can be challenging to find that perfect match
When considering the above, while it is possible to find love, the process will be challenging. The fact is, online dating is changing romance, as we don’t get that peer-to-peer interaction that we as human beings crave. Messages can be interpreted differently while talking with someone face to face can spark further attraction and interest. While it is becoming trendy, there’s no denying that it’s not as romantic as how our grandparents may have met.
Sometimes your expectations won’t be met
Lastly, another disadvantage of online dating is that your expectations might not always be met. Sometimes, an individual may seem perfect online, but the chemistry is not thereupon meeting. This can dishearten many people, but it’s the reality of talking over instant messaging systems. No matter how many questions you ask, you’re never going to get those feelings that you would when meeting face to face.
Pros and Cons of Online Dating: Final Thoughts
When reading through the above, there is no doubt that online dating has both pros and cons. Yes, it certainly is different for those that haven’t experienced it before. However, at the end of the day, there is really no harm in trying. If you don’t find that it works for you, then delete your account! You never know; you may just find your perfect match.
