Does online dating work? Pros and cons of digital dating

Evidence shows that increasing numbers of adults in a relationship met online. There are many reasons why more and more singles are turning to a dating platform rather than relying on the traditional outlets of bars, social events, or introductions by mutual friends. The worldwide pandemic has had an obvious impact on how comfortable people feel about socializing, but there had been a steep upward trend in online dating long before this happened. There are also downsides, with many individuals remaining reluctant to sign up for an online service. Here are some of the main pros and cons of virtual matchmaking.

Pros:

Choice

What type of online dating most excites you? Perhaps you're recently divorced and are seeking a kindred spirit, a fellow divorcee who will understand your predicament and could become a good friend and confidante or you are a proud member of LGBT community and looking for a partner on a specialized gay dating website? The point is, there are so many aspects to online dating, there will be a niche out there that is just waiting for you to roll up and complete the registration form. If you decide a particular site isn't for you, then simply move on to the next one. The possibilities are fairly limitless.

Compatibility

Digital dating allows you to interact with people within your ideal ‘catchment area.' If you are specifically interested in hookups, there would be no point in joining a site dedicated to finding you a long-term love interest. Sites have built-in algorithms that will ensure you have every chance of being paired with whoever has stated they have similar likes and dislikes to you.

Convenience

Once you have registered with an online dating site, you are in charge when it comes to how frequently you access your account, who you choose to message, and which site users you decide to ignore or even block from contacting you. You can log in at any time of day, wherever you happen to have access to a web browser or a decent WiFi connection.

Cons:

Fake profiles

Not everyone who signs up to a site is doing so because they wish to commit to a relationship. For whatever reason, there will always be a minority of unscrupulous individuals who have no intention of seeking a partner, and who just get a kick out of winding up others. Some take this anti-social behavior further, inventing false online personas to find out personal information. Identity theft? Phishing for bank account information? These could all be ulterior motives for these so-called ‘catfish.'

Online v offline

Digital dating can often be like a safety net. More of a comfort blanket. Especially given the current pandemic situation, a lot of site users feel comfortable and relaxed exchanging online messages and flirting with avatars. The prospect of actually meeting up for a proper rendezvous in the real world might not be near the top of their priorities. But you should always consider the drawbacks associated with remaining online, compared to developing chemistry until you reach the stage where you are eager to connect in the real world. Only then will your relationship begin reaching its potential heights.

Flippant interaction

The online world often encourages lax communication. Nobody puts their heart and soul into a text message like they might have done when writing love letters. Why would they wear their heart on their sleeve when they can download a scattering of heart emojis? Unfortunately, this ‘romantic shorthand' will never take the place of the genuine emotions that can be fostered when people get together and really ‘click.'