The internet has changed so many aspects of everyday life, from the way people work and conduct business, to the way people eat, to the way people shop, and perhaps most notably, the advent of the internet has revolutionized the way people socialize and date. Although online dating websites were once frowned down upon and quickly earned a bad reputation for not being authentic, they’ve now catapulted into becoming a social norm. In fact, it also seems bizarre to meet someone the “traditional” way now with the popularity and prevalence of so many online dating websites and apps.
But for as popular as all these online dating websites and apps are, not everything that glitters is gold. There are some risks that come with internet transactions. For example, even paying bills and buying goods online can be potentially dangerous due to the even present threat of identity theft. Unfortunately, online dating is no different in some cases. Everyone has heard about the fateful tale of a girl who met her Prince Charming on one of those oh-so-popular and heavily advertised dating websites only to discover he wasn’t really a prince, let a lone a charming one. As common, frustrating, and even funny as these situations can be, there’s also a not so silver lining of an element of danger.
How many times have you read or heard about a person, typically an unsuspecting woman, who ended up physically and emotionally harmed by a person they let online in their quest for love? There are countless stories about this, enough that it’s completely understandable as to why someone would be weary of online dating websites and apps. This often begs the question as to whether online is safe. Luckily, there are now a number of safe online dating sites that allow singles to digitally mingle in safely and comfortable.
But despite all of the inherent risks — both real and perceived — of online dating, the stigma surrounding it is slowly being removed as more and more are jumping on the online dating websites bandwagon. Regardless of your age, nationality, sexuality, religious beliefs and associations, gender preferences, and so on and so forth, you can rest assure that there are online dating websites out there for your specific preference. That’s the beauty of dating online; you can communicate and find possible love matches that you otherwise may never have been able to. The beauty of the internet is that it truly brings people together, which makes finding possible suitors a breeze.
Dating online can also be especially helpful for people that have social anxiety or that find the idea of “being set up” on a random date with a stranger mortifying. Perhaps one of the greatest benefits of dating online is being being able to really take things slow and gradually get to know a person before taking the plunge and meeting them in person. In many cases people may even feel safer and more comfortable taking their time getting to know someone through online messaging, texting, and phone calls before physically meeting them in person.
Similarly, dating online can also help someone build confidence within themselves. Imagine, for example, being married for decades, going through the emotional and often turbulent divorce process, and then suddenly being thrust into singlevile all over again. Even though being single after going through a divorce may be a relief for some, most people become interested in dating, finding love, or just hooking up after taking some to heal. But dating now is a lot different than it was decades ago, so online dating is a great way for divorcees to regain confidence and digitally play the field before fulling engaging in the game.
On the other hand, online dating websites can also be fun for teens and young adults who are just venturing out into the world of dating. Just think about your own personal horror stories of how scary dating was as a young adult back in the day! Now, there are many apps for that!