*Originally published on 9/2/10
I think most people would agree and say that they want to find someone to love, after all, love is all you need is it not? For whatever reason, some people don't have as easy a time meeting people as others do. As such, they have turned to the series of tubes we call the internet to offer a helping hand.
There are a ton of dating sites out there nowadays. Some may be skeptical about the idea, preferring the tried and true method of meeting them and letting things go from there. Still, there are people who met online and ended up falling in love and getting married. It may seem odd at first, but it does seem to get results.
There are upsides and downsides to using the internet as a means of finding romance and both should be taken into consideration when you decide whether or not this is for you.
Pros
With online dating, your chances of meeting someone with similar interests is much greater. Even if your hobbies are more offbeat, you have a better chance of finding someone else with that interest online as you can search for people with that specific interest. This is also a time saver as you can see right off the bat if the person is relatively compatible with you.
Some people just don't have time for a relationship. With work and everything else going on in their lives, they don't have the opportunity to go out barhopping to cruise for chicks or guys. For that matter, some people aren't particularly fond of the bar scene. Online dating gives them an alternative.
Some people are more comfortable talking online as opposed to in person. Conversation can be a tricky thing and conversing online eases some of the pressure so that you feel more relaxed, allowing you to be yourself.
The internet also gives you a lot more options as opposed to relying on meeting someone in person. Even if you are a frequent clubber, you will probably come across more people online, thus casting a wider net to improve your chances of finding someone.
Cons
Online dating does have its downsides as well. The first thing that people will bring up is that you don't really know who you're talking to. After all, it could be anyone on the other side. Even a photo doesn't necessarily prove anything.
Heck, someone I know used a site to find someone, only to find out it was a trap and got himself mugged. Granted, the site he was using wasn't the most reputable, but it was a startling incident to say the least. By and large though, you don't need to worry as a vast, vast majority of the people are who they say they are.
One problem that arises is a sense of awkwardness. While talking online is great, you may still feel a bit uncomfortable going out for that first time as you haven't talked in person. This could lead to several awkward silences that permeate the evening.
With online dating sites, you can find people all across the country, if not the world. The problem with that is that you're in one place and they may be hundreds of miles away. You could strike up a friendship, but that doesn't really solve anything.
Online dating can be a great way to improve your chances of finding someone. While it's not completely gone, the stigma once associated with it is starting to fade. That being said, there are still downsides that should be taken into consideration when beginning such an endeavor.
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