The key pros and cons of online dating

Chances are, you or someone you know has dipped their toes in the realm of online dating.

For every story of an offline meeting that culminates in a fairy tale story wedding, there is an awful experience that the people in question would be happy to forget.

The biggest plus of online dating, as I see it, is that you know exactly what romantic prospects are looking for.

You can filter search results so that only those who, say, are single, interested in a romantic relationship, and don't drink come up.

This not only saves a lot of time, but it removes a lot of the guesswork involved in determining whether someone makes a good match.

When you approach someone at a bar, however, you don't really know whether they're married and just there to get their mind off of work.

Not to mention some people become visibly annoyed when they sense they're being watched or courted -- whether it's because they're having a bad day, the time and place aren't right, or they have zero interest in you.

Of course, people can mask their true intentions even online, but it's less likely given the effort people invest in uploading their best pictures, crafting a description that will appeal to potential partners, and so forth.

Introverts and shy people in particular tend to be fond of online dating, as it affords them the opportunity to think through their words carefully on screen. You don't have to be quick on your feet as you would in person, where it's much easier to make a date-ending gaffe.

Then again, the online environment poses certain risks as well.

At least when you're dealing with someone face-to-face, what you see is what you get.

How do you know that the pic they're putting up is not 10 years old, when they weighed 30 pounds fewer?

Moreover, people have to be careful not to idealize the individual on the other end, which becomes more likely the longer you wait to meet up in person.

In such a scenario, all you have to go by are their written words, voice, and pictures, which can be very easy to romanticize.

Unfortunately, chemistry over the phone or internet doesn't always carry over into the real world. It isn't until you're with someone in person that you can really tell whether the two of you click.

In sum, while online dating has its disadvantages, it can suit those who aim to find people who share their goals and interests -- namely, finding a partner who's well worth their time.

Comments

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