Online dating is hugely popular these days, and you might be ready to flirt and date online. But, even though there are plenty of benefits that you can derive from this strategy, there are also some downsides to think about, and we’ve outlined them for you below.
Pro: You Get Access to a Lot of Potential Dates
One of the pros of online dating is the fact that you can connect with such a large group of people who might be a good match for you. While it might be difficult to meet people in your everyday life, such as at a bar or club, when you are on a dating app, you can specify the types of people that you’re interested in most, and you might be surprised by how many people end up being great candidates. So, whether you are searching for individuals in the LGBTQ community, you are in search of fellow vegans, or you are hoping to find someone who follows the same religion, a dating app can be a smart way to meet those types of people with greater ease.
Con: You Might End Up Being Harassed
According to the Pew Research Center, one of the potential problems that might arise while you are dating people online is harassment. This appears to be a problem that women under 35 face often. In fact, a whopping 60% of women between the ages of 18 and 34 stated that they had experienced people contacting them even after the women told them that they weren’t interested in them. And, in addition to getting messages that you don’t want, you might also find yourself receiving sexually explicit images or messages when you don’t ask for them.
Pro: It’s So Easy to Start
With so many dating sites and apps these days, it’s easier than ever to get started when you’re ready to meet new people online. And you can find the dating app that’s more likely to match you with individuals you’re interested in most. For example, if you’re a senior who’s ready to get back into dating, there are apps for seniors. Plus, the nice thing about using an app is that you can decide how much time you want to dedicate to it, you can decide which potential matches you want to talk to and which ones you’d prefer to ignore, and you can just delete it if you aren’t satisfied with it.
Con: People Aren’t Always Who They Say They Are
Another thing to consider is that a person can get on a dating app and pretend to be someone that they aren’t. This can be scary, but a good way to avoid this problem would be by using a dating app that verifies the identity of anyone that signs up to use it. Also, if you plan on meeting someone in person for the first time after speaking with them via the dating app, it’s best to meet in a public place. Let your friends or family know about your meeting, and maybe even bring someone with you, just in case.
Weigh the Pros and Cons Carefully
Before you dive in and give online dating a try for yourself, there are several pros and cons that you need to consider. That way, you can determine if this is truly the right path for you when it comes to finding your perfect mate.
