Online Dating Wave
It’s hard to go a day anymore without hearing the phrase, “Online Dating.” It’s everywhere. TV, radio, newspapers, magazines, and of course the internet all seem to be promoting websites designed to help people find dates, sex, or a long-term companions. Why are these sites so popular? Who uses them? Where is the world of online dating headed? All these questions will be answered or at least discussed.
Before the internet and the booming popular of online dating sites, people had few options in how they could find potential candidates for relationships and dating. The traditional way would be to meet someone face-to-face and ask them out, or simply introduce yourself. Or, there were personals sections of the newspaper which was usually perceived as a very desperate attempt at finding someone. Another option which is still relatively popular today is a dating agency. These companies have a database of individuals with personality profiles that they can match with others that might be of interest. This option is probably the most expensive, and you still have the dreaded personal embarrassment of walking in the door of one of these agencies and admitting that you are unable to find what you are looking for without professional help.
This takes us to the World Wide Web. The internet takes away much of the humiliation and vitually all chances of being recognized by peers. You are able to create your own personal ad that doesn’t ever require a picture most times. You also don’t have to use your real name, or a name remotely similar to yours. You can search for people in any city in the country. But I would have to say, the biggest advantage of online dating is you are not faced with such personal rejection that you may run into when approaching someone at a bar. Nobody but the 2 of you know when you send a message over the internet. You can’t here someone laugh at your cheesy pickup lines through the computer. And you can contact many, many people in a very short period of time. These are just some of the reasons why internet dating has become so popular.
Now that we see why online dating is attractive to some people, where do we go to meet these individuals? This is a very good question because there are so many dating sites out there. First you would want to decide what it is you’re after. If you are looking to meet someone and hopefully have a long and serious relationship, you would want to look at sites that have “MatchMaking” tests and “Compatibility Profiles.” A few sites off the top of my head that fit this description would be True.com, Match.com, JustSayHi.com, or OkCupid.com. Those sites would all classify as “Online Dating” websites. If you are looking more for a sexual experience there is a whole other world of sites out there.
Adult dating websites are much more geared ad sex. Plain and simple. These sites allow nude photos, sometimes have sex videos, and will even include sex tips and other features. Sites that would be included in this category would be AdultFriendFinder.com, IwantU.com, and Fling.com. These sites are not for the timid so be prepared to see some adult content should you decide to visit them. Adult dating sites tend to be more expensive too which is another factor to consider when looking for a site.
Cost is obviously going to be an issue for most online daters. And you really do get what you pay for in this case. There are tons of free sights out there so you don’t always have to become a paying member to enjoy the benefits of dating online. Some free sites include PlentyofFish.com and DateHookup.com. These sites offer 100% free profiles and have a lot of members. Most adult sites are going to charge you if you want full access. The typical site will probably offer some sort of free 1 week trial. After these trials are up, a common monthly fee is anywhere from $20-$40/month. Popular sites like Match.com which have tons of TV ads are going to be more expensive. They don’t even accept every person who creates a profile which is pretty uncommon.
Online dating is obviously the new way for people to date. It allows people who are busy, shy, in rural areas, inexperienced, or very experienced the opportunity to meet or introduce themselves to people they normally wouldn’t or couldn’t. I still think that it takes a lot of the mental hardships away from the first few steps in dating. But what you cannot forget is that to really make any progress whatsoever, you’ll have to meet the person eventually.
So to all you online daters or internet surfers thinking of becoming online daters. Have fun, meet some people, and be safe doing it.
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