Pros Cons of Online Dating

If you are thinking about finding your soul mate on the Internet, you may be interested in knowing the pros/cons of online dating. Read on to find out if you should or shouldn’t find your next date online.

The Pros/Cons of Online Dating

There are many ways for you to find someone special through the Internet. You can join romance chat rooms or sign up with an Internet matchmaking site. Whichever way you choose, there are advantages and disadvantages to finding someone on the other side of the computer screen.

The Advantages of Online Dating

• Takes less time

In the dating world, it may take you weeks before you discover you don’t like the person’s interests or you don’t hold the same values. In online dating, you can search specifically for people with the same interests and values as your own.

• Spends less money

Since you don’t have to go out to the bar or wherever you go to meet people, you save money on food, drinks, gas, transportation or other expenses.

• More convenient

You don’t have to get all dressed up to go out only to come home alone. You can now sit in your PJs in the comfort of your home and meet hundreds of people.

• Meet friends

If you just moved to a new area, the Internet is a great way to not only find dates but friends as well.

• Mask insecurities

You may have a hard time approaching someone of the opposite sex because you fear what the person will think of you. It may be easier for you to talk to someone hiding behind a computer screen.

• More availability

Signing on to a site with singles in your area opens up many more dating options for you.

• Safe

As long as you are cautious, meeting people on the Internet can be safe. Never give out personal information and always meet someone in a public place.

Disadvantages to Online Dating

• People lie

Just like dating outside of the Internet, people lie. Someone may tell you that he or she shares enjoys the same activities as you but may end up not being so interested.

• Potential to meet people with social insecurities

Some people who look on the Internet for dates have issues with social situations and if you are a social person, this may be a problem for you.

• Person may look different from profile picture

People usually upload their best picture, which may not portray what they look like. When you meet someone, you may be surprised and not as attracted to the person as you thought.

• The person is not the same offline as online

Some people may seem great when chatting in a chat room or on the phone, but when you meet face to face, the person may not be as captivating.

• Develop an Internet addiction

Spending time looking for a date on the Internet can be exciting and you can quickly end up spending hours searching, which could turn into an Internet addiction.

• Unable to start a relationship offline

You may become too comfortable chatting with the opposite sex on the Internet and not want to ruin the online relationship by meeting the person face to face.

• Many people can contact you

Since your profile is up for public view, you may receive an overwhelming response. This may be nice at first, but you may quickly become frustrated having to weed through so many uninteresting people.

• Scammers are out there

Some people join matchmaking sites to find vulnerable people to scam out of money.

• Fees for matchmaking services

Many of the online dating sites require you to pay a monthly fee.

Deciding to Search for a Date Online

After reading the pros/cons of online dating, you may be wondering if it’s worth it. The only way to find out is to try it. Many sites will allow you to pay per month with no commitment to continue if you decide it isn’t right for you. If you are having a difficult time meeting eligible singles in your area, the Internet may be just what you need to find your soul mate!
[tag]relationships,dating,online[/tag]