TRENDS
Online Dating: Is It Really a Haunting World of Love?
Believing there’s a stigma about online dating establishes that there is.
Many are concerned about this unconventional way of finding love. Because of this, online daters have become subject to public scrutiny.
But if you think this has changed because online dating has gained popularity over time, it hasn’t. For some, it remains a missed opportunity.
The Pew Research Center recently polled to know today’s public opinion on online dating platforms.
Here’s what they found:
Only a few admitted to having experience in online dating.
According to the poll, only 15% of respondents said that they tried online dating. From the group, those belonging to the 18 to 24 age bracket reported slightly higher numbers than those aged over 50, with at least 27% of them trying online dating platforms.
Most online daters have never dated any of their online matches.
At least two-thirds of the 15% who experienced online dating have met someone face to face. However, one-third admitted they left things where they started and haven’t gone on a date with the people they talked to online.
Many believe that it’s only for those who are desperate.
From the respondents, 23% believe that online daters are desperate. Way back in 2005, there used to be 29% who thought the same. Though there’s a slight slope compared to before, a 6% difference is still not that much.
Remarkably, a high number of people agree that online dating is effective.
Though countless people think online dating is only for the desperate, 59% of the respondents agree that it is a great way to meet people.
For the most part, online dating has brought thousands of couples together.
Five percent of the respondents were in a relationship or married to someone they met online. Though not an impressive rate, it still proves how helpful online dating is to those who wish to meet their partners.
You’ve most likely adopted the same thinking as people who stigmatize online dating. But that’s understandable. After all, you can hardly agree with something unless you have first-hand experience with it.
Most of you may also feel uncomfortable with the idea of having to put yourself out there to gain potential partners.
Now, a part of you wants to sign up for an online dating site. The thing is, you’re scared and anxious to take the first step. Can you make yourself attractive and be an effective dater? Is this even possible?
Yes, and here are a few tips for you:
1. Always know what you’re looking for.
When you use these dating apps while not knowing what you want, you’ll most likely end up going on dates with people who aren’t compatible with you. By having standards, you can easily pick which matches have potential.
2. Don’t get discouraged by setbacks. Instead, learn from them.
Every person who comes into your life has a lesson to teach you, especially in love. One unsuccessful date doesn’t mean you’ve failed in online dating.
Look for what you have to learn from every person and use them to make wiser decisions.
3. Navigate online interactions smartly.
One of the challenges in online dating is moving from online conversations to phone calls and actual dates. See to it that a potential partner understands your intentions and that you’re not just fooling around.
4. Put your best foot forward.
Show your best self in front of a date. While there’s nothing wrong with this, you have to see to it that you’re not pretending to be someone you’re not. It’s exhausting to keep up a facade, so find someone who likes you for being you.
5. Never settle.
Don’t let your loneliness become the reason you settle with someone.
Dating online doesn’t have to feel like work. Even if you think there’s no hope, it’s always wrong to choose someone who doesn’t deserve you.
Online dating is never a haunting world of love, nor is it something you should be afraid of. But if you think otherwise, keep an open mind. Know that the way you see online dating now can change.
Truthfully, online dating speeds up your chances of finding love.
Instead of dating one person at a time, online dating sites allow you to talk to a hundred people in a week.
Not only that, but it widens your social network as you get to communicate with people you’d never think you’d speak with.
It also gives you limitless opportunities to travel and see more of the world before you, teaching you about the cultures and languages you’re unfamiliar with.
Another exceptional aspect of online dating is its increasing demand.
According to Statista, consumer demand for online dating services has increased significantly during the past decade.
Online dating, which used to be considered a last-dating attempt for desperate people, has now become socially acceptable.
A poll conducted by Axios found that more than half of Americans with relevant online dating experiences had a positive review of online dating. At the same time, 72% stated that relationships that started online are just as likely to succeed as relationships that began offline.
Should you give online dating a try?
Absolutely.
It’s a great way to leave your comfort zone.
It’s a brave decision to go online. You not only try to brush off other people’s opinions, but you also put all of your doubts and fears behind you.
It makes you realize you have so many potential partners than you know.
We weren’t born yesterday. As the world around us changes to become better, it’s only right that you follow the lead.
Technically, your partner doesn’t only have to be someone from your country because online dating will bring you more potential partners than you can grasp. Think international.
Your online dating experience is your best love mentor.
No pain, no gain.
Sometimes, you learn things the hard way. But the wonderful thing about it is that it lives on for a long time.
You’ll miss out on the easiest and most effective way of finding your perfect match.
Don’t complicate things. Adapt how the world today finds love. Take inspiration from all the happy couples who’ve met each other online and start your online dating journey.
