When it comes to dating, you have many available options. You can join an online dating website or simply do it the old-fashioned way. Although you make the usual rounds to the bars and laundry mats hoping to “bump” into someone of interest, you may have better luck dating online.
The expert opinion on online dating
Dating experts argue that while online dating is helpful, it might not be that better than seeing someone offline. One thing they all agree on, however, is that subscribers should take their relationships off of the internet after a reasonable amount of time.
As they complete surveys and studies, dating services are implementing social media and online dating formulas into their business mock-ups. They are finding out that one size does not fit everyone because people don’t always have the same goals when it comes to relationships.
One person may want a long-term relationship with the possibility of marriage while another may desire friendship only. In essence, this means that there will always be advantages and disadvantages to dating online.
Online Dating vs Offline Dating
Pros and Cons of online dating
Used as an introduction, online dating is effective. However, way too many online daters are extending their experiences to having long-term online relationships. This is not the intent of matchmaking services.
Let’s take a look at a few of the most popular reasons to date online coupled with the reasons why people prefer not to rely on it.
Pros to dating online
- You’re not alone. More than 40 million single daters have joined an online dating service. Numerous people are successful finding a match and more people are getting married because they subscribe to one or more dating sites or single groups on social media.
- Dating someone who lives in another state is possible due to online dating. Because online dating is worldwide, you can meet the match of your dreams even if they live in another state or country.
- Access to an online dating service is never an issue… they don’t close.
- Many online dating services use scientific matchmaking tools so your best possible matches are sent directly to you.
Cons to dating online
- Tons of people have joined but only a fraction are active.
- People don’t tell the truth about their marital position, income, age, etc.
- It can become an obsession for some and they never take the relationship to the next level.
- Many online daters search for singles only in their immediate area or income range.
See Also: 5 Tips for Effective Online Dating
Knowing when to go offline
When you’re serious about meeting someone, whether it’s for a hook-up, friendship or with marriage in mind, you must start somewhere. Dating services are available in every form imaginable. There are sites made specially to help you meet your relationship goals. However, at some point, you must take your relationship offline.
Again, keep in mind, the point of online dating is to meet someone special and although you have met them online, it’s not the same as actually having a face-to-face meeting. Keep reading to find out why it might be a good idea to take your relationship offline.
Pros to dating offline
- The possibility of knowing a few of their friends and feeling safer because of it.
- Determining if there is chemistry happens a lot sooner.
- Dating offline means you don’t have to judge their profile.
Cons to dating offline
- You won’t meet as many people.
- Some people are shy and won’t come out to mingle.
- It’s not easy to decide on where to go to meet like-minded individuals.
Only take the relationship offline if you are truly ready. If you decide you want to quit the relationship, you should be upfront with the other person as soon and as painlessly as possible.
See Also: 4 Dating Mistakes You Could Be Making (And What To Do With Them)
Conclusion
Spend time communicating online, developing trust and establishing the first base. Once you’re ready to move to second base, you can do so comfortably.
The idea for dating online is so you can take it offline and not remain in the cyber community forever. You can build an online relationship but you should make it a point to meet in person. The sooner you do that and the sooner you realize that the other person isn’t for you, the better it will be for both parties.
If this should be the case, don’t let one spoiled online dating experience prevent you from taking the opportunity to meet other people online in the future. Keep a positive attitude and keep it moving! Good luck to you all!