Online dating is a big player for those looking for love. The days of organically meeting people has been overtaken by the convenience and ease of online dating apps – but is this the best way forward?
There are arguments for and against this new digital way of dating.
Amanda Major, who works for Relate, a relationship advice service, thinks online dating can be a positive experience: “It can be a very effective way of meeting people and initially managing to get to know each other a little bit.”
- The convenience of online dating allows people to meet potential partners from the comfort of their own homes, at any time that suits them, and with modern day living being so hectic, this allows people to ‘get out there’ without physically moving anywhere.
- It also provides access to a larger pool of people than we normally see in our day to day lives, which increases the likelihood of finding a compatible match. They tend to use specialised algorithms which match individuals based on compatibility factors, like hobbies, age, height preference etc. therefore increasing their chances of finding a suitable partner.
- Unlike in person encounters, users are able to screen potential matches based on criteria such as age, interests, values, and lifestyle preferences before committing to a conversation or date, so nobody’s feelings get hurt.
- Online dating platforms also offer built in communication tools such as messaging, video calls etc. This means you keep your social media and phone number separate and private while also having the opportunity to get to know potential partners.
Although there are many positive factors to online dating, like most things, there is a negative side.
Lucy Hopcroft, social media marketing executive for ‘Bored of Dating Apps’ organisation, said: “There’s massive fatigue I think surrounding dating apps now because there’s so much work and so much energy that you put into these connections and half the time, they never end up going anywhere.
“I think you just can’t beat meeting people face to face, you get to know people a lot quicker, you get a vibe if you mesh well. As humans I think that physical connection is something we crave.”
- Dating apps can be risky as some people online may exaggerate or lie about their personal characteristics, interests, intentions, or even use a misleading image which could result in disappointment or even danger when meeting in person.
- The huge number of potential matches available on dating sites can be overwhelming and lead to decision fatigue or dissatisfaction with any chosen option, it can make you feel burned out.
- There is a lack of physical connection which is so important for relationships to flourish. Online communication lacks the depth and intimacy of face-to-face interactions, making it harder to establish a genuine connection or chemistry.
Although there are mixed opinions on online dating, it is one of the main ways people look for love, and with around 1400 dating sites/apps in the UK alone, it seems nothing is being ruled out in the search for love.
Listen to Naomi Houston’s audio report here:
Featured image (c) Alexander Popov on UnSplash
