Some people have big misconceptions about online dating and hookup sites. They say that such sites and apps create a kind of new reality in which people may actively avoid real-life communication. However, this theory is pretty unfounded. In fact, the role of dating sites and apps is growing nowadays, and for a good reason. They are crucial today - one of every four couples meets on the Web. Speaking about gay couples, the numbers are even more impressive - two out of every three. Dating sites and apps are extremely successful since they make the process of finding romance easier, safer, and more pleasant.
However, as with everything in the world, online dating has its benefits and drawbacks, and you should be aware of online dating red flags. We’ve got you covered! Here, we consolidated everything you have to know before jumping into online dating!
Choose the Right App or Site
There are a huge number of various dating sites and apps, and it’s really overwhelming to navigate them. What you should pay attention to before registering on any of them? First, check whether it’s a reputable site or app, do some research, and stick to only famous and well-trusted resources. Find out how many people are subscribed, read members’ reviews, visit the site, and investigate before subscribing. Look through an “About Us” section and do read the privacy policy.
As you know, there are free and paid services. How to choose between them? It totally depends on your goals. Paid sites/apps are a kind of commercial investment; therefore, they have committed members who are actually looking for partners and want to meet people in real life. Those willing to pay for their membership, which is not cheap at all, tend to be more serious about finding true love or long-term relationship.
On the other hand, free services have more members, which means more choices.
The pros and cons of online dating
To find out how online dating can help you find romance, you should be aware of all pitfalls in this way. So, let’s investigate the advantages and drawbacks of online dating.
The pros:
You get to know more people and more “types” - dating sites or apps provide access to thousands of potential daters, which is extremely beneficial for individuals who don’t have a large social circle.
Dating sites and apps help to meet up with like-minded people - there are sites for particular population categories, e.g., religious groups, homosexual people, etc. It’s ultimately convenient for them, and their chances for online dating success are higher.
Online dating is great for shy and/or introverted people - introverted or socially anxious people feel more comfortable when they communicate online. Therefore, it’s not surprising that these individuals look for a partner on dating sites.
You can free yourself from traditional gender or age roles - it’s easier to reach out to people we find desirable, no matter what gender or age we are. Online dating actually helps to overcome some traditional gender norms.
The cons:
Not everyone on the dating sites is single - unfortunately, there are lots of married people looking for fun outside of their marriages, and, obviously, not all of them tell the truth right from the beginning.
Too many choices are not always a good thing - in such a case, we begin to judge people without any sound reason, just because we don’t like photos or bio.
Too much focus on physical beauty - we make quick decisions based on photos and may dismiss potentially good partners. That’s maybe the biggest online dating failure.
There are plenty of false profiles and/or fake info - scammers, predators, or felons create false profiles to target vulnerable individuals.
Online Dating Safety Tips
Remember, safety is always first! Here are simple rules that allow you to feel safe and protected when dating online and offline:
- Communicate with potential daters on the dating site or app. The majority of sites and apps have moderators so that you can report anything that appears offensive or even threatening.
- Protect your anonymity by creating a dedicated email account, and if you decide to move your communication with a new friend to email, use this account.
- If a new friend wants to call you, be cautious and create a Google Voice account, it’ll generate and forward a new phone number to your mobile. If the things fizzle out, the person won’t know your real phone number.
- When it comes to a real-life meeting, arrange it in a public place, there should be lots of people around. Obviously, your new friend shouldn’t know your home address.
The Bottom Line
Finding the best match on the dating site requires an ample amount of time and effort. So, is online dating worth it? Our answer is yes, it’s totally worth it! In our fast-paced world, online dating is a true life-saver! Thanks to convenient matching algorithms the best resources have, the chances to find a soulmate is really high. Why not try? Just don’t forget about your safety!
Happy dates!
Written by Rebecca Shinn
About the Author
Rebecca Shinn is a freelance writer and dating and relationship expert with a Psychology degree. Her field of expertise is relationship, dating, and marriage. The important part of Rebecca’s practice is to help couples with communication skills, problem-solving skills, stress management, or finance skills.
Rebecca started writing 2 years ago to inspire and help people to have a better dating life, strong relationships, or find a way to keep a marriage strong for long years. With all said above, Rebecca is proud to be a mother and a wife so she doesn't only use her knowledge for helping others but keeping her family strong and happy.
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