It is no secret that life has changed so dramatically in the last few decades and through different eras. With the progress of the digital age, the world seems smaller each day. There are now so many ways through which people can connect, such as through social media platforms, email, phone, text, etc.
Looking at how popular online dating is now, it is funny to think about how people considered online dating ten years ago as the last chance for people that are hopeless in finding love/being in a relationship for long. It used to be a shameful thing, but now it is quite becoming the norm.
According to a professor of psychology who coauthored a 2012 study on online dating (online dating: a critical analysis from the perspective of psychological science), Harry Reis, the shame surrounding online dating vanished when people decided that it was an essential change in how the world approached romance.
It is now so easy to sign up to a dating site or app, register, and then start extracting large amounts of information about anybody that you are interested in. You could even check out more than a hundred people’s profiles in 15 minutes or less. With a clear vision of people, you are interested in getting to know better just from their description of themselves, unlike in the eras before the digital age, where people needed to set numerous dates just to get an assessment of their partners.
Online dating and Apps
Instead of just browsing through people in your town like with standard dating sites, mobile dating apps further shows you people that are also looking for a date within your immediate environment. This is more convenient, especially if you live in big cities where it takes hours to drive from one area to another.
There are now so many dating apps that you can find on different app stores. Some of these apps include:
- Tinder: This app has become a permanent fixture in so many people’s dating lives. It would be a lie to say that it doesn’t have an impact on not just the dating world, but also on dating app trends. This app is so easy to use, and the creation of profiles is less complicated compared to some dating sites that make you fill out lengthy questionnaires. With Tinder, you can just enter your email address and your password, put in basic information about yourself, add your location, and that is it! You’re in. You can start swiping either left or right on people’s profiles. You swipe right if you’re interested in the person and left if you’re not.
If you’re looking for something serious, then Tinder might not be the right app for you. Sometimes people are looking for something casual there, so you have to be careful.
- Match.com: If you’re looking for a serious relationship, then this app is for you. It is one of the older apps, and it is intent on giving its members a great experience that is worth their money and time. They promise to give people an additional 6-month membership if they fail to find their match in six months. This app is better than the website version because of its usability and the easier navigation process. The mobile app interface is straightforward, and you can access the great features through the icon tabs on the bottom of the screen.
Dating Apps Geared Towards Different Groups of People/Specifications
- Bumble: Bumble was designed with women in mind. Only women can message any guy they like first.
- Christian Mingle: This app is intended for Christians to find a match who shares their values.
- Her/Choppy/Grindr: These apps were designed for gays and lesbians to find a match.
- Luxy/Inner Circle/The League: These apps are exclusive and mostly for the elite to find their match without fear that they’re only sought after for material gain.
The Good about Online Dating
Getting started is easy
If you’re just slowly getting out into the dating world, then online dating is a great and easy option. You can take your time to construct a dating profile that is perfect for you, and you can also take your time thinking deeply about the match you’re looking for.
You’re in control
You are in charge of whatever information you provide in the app. How you’re contacted, and even when you reply. You can spend time planning on how you want to come off as instead of scrambling to think about something witty to say in between pauses. It certainly helps that you already know what the other party is interested in so you can use it as a guide on what to talk about. You can also decide when you want to meet someone face-to-face. But before then, you can start making connections and conversations from the comfort of your home.
It is easier to talk if you are shy
Online dating takes the pressure out of face-to-face interactions and helps shy people shine by allowing them time to think about what to say. It helps them open up more.
Meeting people outside your social circle
With the advent of online dating, instead of settling for a friend or anybody available around your house like older couples did, you can meet someone compatible with you online.
The Bad and the Ugly about Online Dating
Lying
Most people on dating apps lie about themselves and situations to others who might not be interested in them otherwise. They may post pictures taken years ago when they were in great shape or looking better, and they may lie or exaggerate about their accomplishments, income, education level, and so many other things.
It makes you picky and judgmental
It is easy to be more judgmental and to dismiss a candidate whom you would not otherwise reject face-to-face.
Stalkers and Sexual Predators
The potential for stalkers and sexual predators to use online dating to find their next victims is a major negative aspect of online dating. There has been so much research that supports the fact that at least 25% of rapists found their victims on dating apps. People are advised to be careful with who they’re talking to online. Make sure you check them out, go to their Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter page, browse them on google, etc. Make sure you never invite someone you meet online to a private place till you get to know them very well face-to-face.
It is no secret that dating has evolved across time and history. Some people have talked about missing the traditional way of meeting people and how terrible online dating is. Still, notwithstanding the criticism, online dating has pools of potential partners that one should be open to.
