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. Read more »