In the space of around two decades, online dating has evolved from a minority activity to one of the most widespread and lucrative e-commerce enterprises of all. In the USA alone, around one in three adults admit to being regular users of a particular dating platform, and these numbers are only going to keep growing. Having access to the personal profiles of such a diverse range of prospective partners, all within a few keyboard clicks, is such a convenient way of arranging your love life. But is it always plain sailing? Here are the main pros and cons of online relationships.
Pros
You have so much choice
Popping the phrase ‘Internet dating’ into any search engine will produce a staggering level of results. No matter what aspirations you might have when it comes to searching for a partner, you can choose from a diverse range of options starting from oldcooldates website for senior dating and ending with different options for LGBTQ community and much more – the possibilities are endless!
You make all the decisions
When you sign up to a dating site, the power is in your hands in terms of the individuals you choose to interact with, and those you ignore. You can fine-tune your searches according to the parameters you input, covering everything from physical appearance to whether or not your imminent date has tattoos.
You can find out so much about potential partners
Unlike dating in the real world where you have no way of knowing the background of any stranger who approaches you in a singles bar or nightclub, when you go online you can find out so much about a prospective partner by studying their profiles.
You are under no obligation to commit to anything
If you get the sense the chemistry just isn’t there after exchanging messages with someone, you don’t need to persevere. You are not under the same constraints you might be in the real world. You don’t have to be as tactful! On the Internet, you can develop a thicker skin and swiftly move on to the next profile.
Cons
There can be a gulf between reality and fantasy
Dating sites have a habit of encouraging users to present the optimum version of themselves. Profile photos are often adjusted with software, or might not even be an accurate reflection of what someone looks like anymore.
Too much choice can be confusing
It’s one thing to be confronted with a tremendous array of choices. But the downside of this is that searching for compatible individuals can become overwhelming. Having too many prospective partners is just as taxing as not having enough. (Well, perhaps not quite as bad!)
It can be difficult making the transition to offline dating
Online dating is fine for introducing people and for providing a secure communication channel where you can kindle those all-important sparks of chemistry. The comfort and convenience of touching base in this environment can sometimes be difficult to relinquish. People making the transition to the real world often feel underwhelmed when they meet someone in the flesh and they fail to live up to expectations.
Other site users aren’t always trustworthy
While the majority of people you will ever interact with on the Internet have signed up to dating sites for the same reason as you, this won’t always be the case. It is an unfortunate aspect of human behavior that you might just come across people who are not all that they seem. Some websites are forced to go to great lengths to eradicate fake accounts, or block catfish (people using a fake persona to scam other site users).