We’re in the thick of the 21st century, and the search for love is primarily digital.
Singles often meet people online, hoping they’ll luck out in the romance department. Apps and sites have undoubtedly become a force in dating, with more and more daters signing up for them by the day.
You may have heard your share of stories from secondhand accounts. Some have happy endings. Meanwhile, others unfortunately didn’t fare as well as they had hoped.
As online dating continues to persist, some sadly get burnt out. And with that, they can’t help but ask these questions:
Is online dating worth it?
Are dating apps worth it?
Are online dating apps bad for men and women alike?
If you’re a first-timer debating whether to dip your toes into the online dating landscape, here’s what you should know first.
A Brief History of Online Dating
Unbeknownst to most people, the concept of online dating already existed way back in 1695. But instead of apps and websites, people looked for matches through personal ads in newspapers. They declined in the 1800s but experienced a resurgence in the 1920s.
The ads finally died out in the 1960s and became part of the counterculture. But with their death came the birth of the first computer dating service, Operation Match.
Enter the 90s, when the Internet became part of the mainstream. Craigslist chatrooms existed, giving men a medium to chat with women and vice versa. The same decade also saw the birth of several online dating services.
Fast forward to today, and apps and sites are aplenty. Each country has local dating websites for more focused dating experiences, and there are dedicated spaces for specific niches.
Why Do People Date Online?
A 2023 OnePoll/Forbes Health survey says 70% of its participants who met matches on dating apps admitted their encounters led to exclusive and romantic relationships. With such a huge statistic, it’s safe to say that online dating isn’t going away anytime soon.
But why are more and more people drawn to dating online? These two reasons may help you understand:
Convenience
Is online dating worth it? In this world full of hustle and bustle, many definitely seem to think so.
Let’s face it—clicks and swipes take less work than going out. Instead of making an effort to get ready for a date, all daters need to do is sign up and build their profiles.
And the best part? They can do that anywhere at any time. Even if they’re curled up on their couches, they can still win matches with little to no trouble.
Modern living’s fast pace calls for quick and easy solutions. Online dating happens to tick both boxes, adding to its wide appeal.
Control
Dating apps and sites put daters in the driver’s seat. If there were digital embodiments of the “the world is your oyster” mantra, they’d be it.
These platforms give users control. They can sift through potential matches according to their preferences. Profiles can be filtered based on categories like height, age, and even birth signs.
Who wouldn’t feel liberated by such power? While daters can’t predict the outcomes with their matches, they’ll gladly take the freedom of choice apps and sites offer them.
Online Dating Pros and Cons
Is dating online worth it? You make your own verdict.
Like most things, dating online has its upsides and drawbacks. Let’s go over both to help you weigh your options.
Lesser awkward moments vs. ambiguity
In-person meetups are intimidating. Awkward silences are nearly inevitable, especially if both parties don’t know how to deal with dead air.
In comparison, online dating shields you from that. You can freely express yourself without worrying about awkward moments since you can’t see the person on the other side of the line.
If things don’t work out, dramatic confrontations aren’t necessary. The sting persists, but the fact that both parties don’t need to see each other is a bit of a silver lining.
However, the messages exchanged can be subject to misinterpretation, breeding arguments that can cut the connection.
While you shouldn’t overthink your interactions, don’t take everything at face value. There’s a difference between believing someone’s word and practicing blind faith. Give the other person the benefit of the doubt, but don’t let your guard down. Throwing all caution to the wind will only set you up for disappointment and heartbreak.
A wealth of options vs. safety risks
As discussed earlier, dating apps and sites give users control. With that, you can cast your net to wide audiences. You can encounter people from different walks of life worldwide.
And because there are plenty of people on those mediums, you’ll never know who you’ll match with. It could be a total stranger or a familiar face. The options and possibilities are endless!
Unfortunately, scammers can say the same. They have an endless pool of options for victims.
Yes, online dating is fun, but it comes with risks you shouldn’t ignore.
If the best dating apps for men and women claim to be what they are, they should be uncompromising on their security. Do your homework and check their track record before signing up for one.
Since you already know you should keep your guard up, you shouldn’t compromise on this stance for your safety.
Accessibility vs. burnout
As mentioned, online dating offers convenience. And with that comes accessibility.
You can set up profiles and find matches with just your devices. If you’re away from your usual environment, just make a few geographical adjustments to your platform’s settings, and you should be good to continue your romantic conquests.
But as fun as swiping and clicking are, they can get frustrating if you don’t bear the fruits of your labor. Sure, there’s plenty of fish in the digital sea, but you have limits.
Instead of feeling giddy, dating can seem like a laborious chore you can’t seem to get out of. If this dehumanizing feeling continues, burnout will inevitably set in.
Is Online Dating Worth It?
To answer the question, online dating is worth it if you find what you’ve been looking for. Yes, it has its cons, but don’t let them scare you if you’re eager to try it out. You have nothing to lose.
Online dating can be a lot to take in, even for long-time daters. Remember to take breathers and make informed choices for more enjoyable experiences.