Look, we get it – it’s getting crazy out there in the dating scene, with many struggling to find a partner… or two (hey, we don’t judge). The challenging thing about dating is that, you have to understand the intricacies of the game in order to score a goal. And with so many rules in place and so many terms to know – like bread crumbing, gaslighting and co-dependency – it’s a bit difficult to navigate the world of dating.
Of course, you can’t help but wonder: “How did previous generations even find their partners and keep them?”. Meeting people organically feels like a thing of the past, because it seems impossible now. With so many weirdos out there, meeting someone organically just doesn’t seem to cut it. Plus, social anxiety is a thing and that doesn’t really help.
Which is why the emergence of online dating apps could be seen as a blessing… well, to some, that is. We’ve heard numerous modern fairytales of couples meeting online and creating their own happily ever after. So, the surge of online dating activity is a no brainer – who wouldn’t want to have their own happy ending, right? However, on the flipside, online dating is insane.
While there are plenty of fairytales out there, there are also nightmares. So, whether a blessing or curse, online dating is truly a hit or miss. It’s no secret that there are always good and bad sides to every aspect of our lives, and that extends to online dating as well. So, before you take a gander and download those dating apps, let’s learn the upside and the downside to online dating.
The Upside To Online Dating
- Research Should Be A Breeze
The good thing about online dating that not many people have used to their advantage is that you can find absolutely everything about the person you matched with right under your fingertips. It doesn’t hurt to know a thing or two about them by doing your own research. Plus, it’s the internet – there’s no escaping it. So, put on your detective hat and get cracking.
- Options, Options And More Options
The beauty of online dating is that there are so many people in it that you basically have endless options. Swiping left and right should be a fun game for you to know which is your type and which gives you the ick. On some dating apps, you’re also provided filtering options – from height to religion – so you can easily find your one true love.
- You Know Where Your Standards Are
By talking to so many people, you’ll gradually realise what your standards in a partner should be, and you won’t settle for less. Just from texting, calling and even from the look on their profile, you can easily pinpoint the person you think is worth talking to and the person you don’t want to give the time of day.
The Downside To Online Dating
- You Can’t Tell If They’re Being Genuine
Regardless of how good you are in reading and deciphering text messages, you can never truly tell someone’s true intentions. That’s why online dating is a game of luck, because either you find someone who’s incredibly genuine, or someone who has ulterior motives. Take your time in talking with the person you’ve matched with, and also look for breadcrumbs if they’re being disingenuous.
- There Are Too Many Options
While having endless options is good, too many options can be a bit overwhelming. You may be talking to one person and forget the prior, so it’s a bit tricky to tackle that aspect of online dating. Also, the same way that you think you have options, they have it too. So, don’t stress yourself out thinking you’re going to lose a potential partner. There are tons of fish in the sea… or dating apps, that is.
- Stranger Danger
It goes without saying that online dating can be extremely dangerous. There have been numerous cases of catfishing, with victims being scammed or worse, assaulted. Online dating requires a lot of critical thinking and something we like to call trusting your intuition. Do not rush into wanting to meet your match, it’ll happen when it should.
All in all, your safety should always be your utmost priority. Online dating is a whole different ballgame, so as much as it is fun to get to know a potential partner and go on dates, it’s crucial that you stay vigilant. It’s better to be safe than sorry. Happy swiping!
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