I remember not to long ago a lot of people perceived online dating as "taboo" or for those who were "weirdos", "creeps" or "for losers who could not get a date in person." Times have changed and many people's mindset and feelings have changed in regards to online dating. A lot more people from all walks of life are trying it and it is becoming quiet the norm in the world of dating. More people are a lot more accepting of this new way of meeting people to find a potential mate, friend or random hookup for you know what.
With so much computer use going on, I think it is only natural that one might eventually stumble across an online dating site and try it out to see what it is like. Some have success and some have failure. That is why it is best for one to weigh the pros and cons of online dating before diving head first into it....
Here is a list of some the Pros & Cons:
PROS
- You can "weed out", eliminate, block those who you are not interested in based on profile picture, what is written on their profile, etc. In person it can be a bit harder to do without being rude (not that you necessarily have to be) or having the other person feel stupid, hurt or embarrassed because you turned them down right in their face.
- You can meet a significant amount of people online from the convenience of your home in little time.
- People are a little more comfortable and open when talking because they protected by the computer screen. So this helps making it a bit easier in getting to know someone better in little time.
- NOT FEELING BAD WHEN TURNED DOWN
- Rejection doesn't bother or hurt you as much like it does in face-to-face encounters.
- NOTICE WORDS MORE THAN LOOKS
- It can go either way. Though we are first drawn or attracted to a person based on looks first, as we talk to someone online or over the phone for a while before meeting in person helps us focus more on what they say and what they feel instead of the distraction of just focusing their physical attributes. As we get to know each other better, if the two people enjoy the conversation and feel they share the same thoughts, they will connect on a better level where the physical characteristics MAY become less important.
CONS
- You may miss out on "real" dating and socializing with people in person, where you can touch, smell, and feel them in person on your first encounter.
- BEING LOOKED AT HAS STRANGE
- Even though many people have got hip to online dating, many of those who are not computer savvy or into new ways of dating (Your traditional people), like some friends or relatives, my criticize you for it. Be ready to hear some negative responses when you tell someone that you met a person ONLINE! They'll say you are desperate, dumb, crazy and everything else because they refuse to accept people meeting online.
What they fail to realize is...You can meet crazy people in person too, not just on the internet!
- LIARS, POSERS, AND EXAGGERATION
- A person can be whoever they what to be online. The picture they post may not be of them-fake profile or using an old picture of themselves when they surely don't look like that anymore.Lying about themselves and what they have or making it seem they have this great life and they truly what you to be apart of it. Saying they are single when they are not and saying they want a relationship but actually they are just looking for a quick hookup for sex.
- ADDICTION AND WASTING TIME
- You can become so wrapped up and addicted to meeting people online that you forget about other important matters in your life. Sitting on the computer all day and forgetting to go out and socialize in person and having time for friends and family instead of looking at profiles all day hoping to find "The One".
- This depends on if you are not only looking for someone locally. If you live in Iowa and the person you hit it off with and are serious about lives in Texas, are you willing to put in the time and money to go and visit or live with that person? Would you be able to make changes in your life and relocate for "love?".
- Some dating website require you to pay a monthly fee in order to use them because they are trying help you find your best match (Who may turn out not to be when you meet them). Now, are you go to spend money like that hoping that the site will do it's best matching you with the all these potentials who could possibly be "The One" and it turning into a disaster? No! Who wants to waste money like that and never find their match after all that money spent. You could have used it to go out to meet people instead. (Tip: Always try the free sites first. If it doesn't work THEN head over to the ones that charge to help give more in depth matchmaking).
- Jamie
