While online dating has exploded in popularity lately and has become the norm for many people, not everyone is a huge fan of it, and it’s understandable. If you’re from another era, you might still value direct communication. Online dating also has serious limitations that might make them unattractive for some people. However, this is often because they have a limited idea of how dating sites work in the first place. Let’s take a closer look at whether dating sites are a good option.
Dating Sites Might Be Better for the Introverted
People with crippling anxiety or who are very shy around strangers might love the online dating format. All you have to do is put a few pictures up, work on a nice bio, and try your luck with other people without having to deal with the stresses of speaking with them one-on-one. Some may also prefer not to frequent bars or tend to shun social gatherings in general. In this case, online dating might be the best option.
Dating Sites Cater to Different Groups
As the demand for online dating grows and more people discover its virtues, we’re beginning to see more specialized dating sites popping up. Some sites cater to younger people or seniors. Some attract professionals or people who want to date people with a certain level of education. Some target specific ethnic groups, or religions. This is one of the things that make online dating so great. You can pre-select people based on some deal-breakers or be with people who are in your same demographic. Some dating sites are also better if you’re looking for something long-term or just a fling. If you want a thorough list of dating sites with their specificities and which demographics they are the best suited to, .
Online Dating Can Broaden Your Horizons
On the other hand, online dating can also allow you to meet people you never would have had the chance to otherwise. You no longer have to be limited to the people in your social circle. You can meet people from across the world in minutes. Another benefit of online dating sites is that it makes meeting someone in a much easier. There was a time when you had to totally immerse yourself in the culture and put yourself out there in a completely foreign country wishing hoping to meet someone. Now, you can present yourself as a tourist and find people that will not only keep you company but help you become immersed more easily.
Online Dating Puts a Premium on Looks
Now for the not-so-fun part. Whether you like it or not, online dating is mainly dominated by image. So, good-looking people tend to do much better. If you are used to getting by with , then you will have to put extra effort into your dating profile and approaches. The dating site you choose will also make a difference. Sites that cater to the “hook up” crowd will be much more looks-oriented than sites like eHarmony, for instance. You can also make yourself more attractive by showing a glimpse of your lifestyle.
This is why it’s recommended that you add a few pictures of you doing things that you love in your profile. It will help show a fun side of your personality and hopefully pique the interest of people who are into the same activities as you.
One thing you should never do, however, misrepresents yourself. Do not try to lie about your height, weight, or looks. Do not post pictures where you look younger or much better than you do now. And don’t lie about your lifestyle and personality either. If you try to portray yourself as something you aren’t, you might get some interactions at the beginning, but people will quickly discover the true you, and they’ll eventually fizzle out. The old advice of being yourself might sound cliche, but the truth always comes out in the light, so try to make the real you as attractive as you can instead.
Dating Sites Can Have Disastrous Consequences
There are also some serious dangers of dating sites that you need to be aware of before you start. This is especially important if you’re older and not used to them or technology in general. When speaking with people online, try to ask for additional pictures of them before you start getting serious. Ask for pictures with a very specific object to know that they didn’t swipe them off the internet. Also, ask if you can and be wary of anyone who starts to share their woes with you too quickly.
Dating sites can work and more people than ever are meeting their partners through them. They are far from perfect, however, and they do have some drawbacks, so make sure that you’re aware of those as well.