Online dating is on the rise, and data backs it. People who don’t meet physically can often meet virtually. They often form an online connection before forming an offline one. If you consider finding your one true love online, read on to know how to make the most of it, while staying safe.
Data Speaks
According to research
conducted by the Pew Research Center study conducted in October 2019, 30% of
Americans have used online dating. This number was just 11% in 2013. Of those,
12% have even gotten married or entered into a committed relationship with
someone they met via online dating platforms. This percentage was just 3% in
2013.
There are
negative sides to online dating, especially for young women. 60% of women
between the ages of 18-34 reported someone they met via online dating sites bothered
them despite telling them they weren’t interested. About the same percentage
said they received unsolicited sexually explicit pictures or messages.
How to Make
the Most of Online Dating? Some Tips
Here are some
tips on how to make the most of online dating.
Know What You
Want
Before starting with
online dating, decide what you are looking for in a partner. Not knowing what
you want might lead to confusion and disappointment. Here are some things to look
in your partner.
Research the
App
Research the app
you are downloading to know if it’s trustworthy. Also, know if their user base
is similar to what you are looking for.
Complete Your
Profile
Always complete
your profile and pick prompts and pictures that present you in the best manner
to the world. Put in some effort and tell potential partners as much as you
feel comfortable doing.
Be Patient
After creating a
profile, you need to be patient. Don’t expect to meet the perfect partner
instantly. You will need to weed out those you are not compatible with before
you find someone you are compatible with.
Go Slow
Don’t share a
lot of information at once. Keep your safety in mind and verify what the other
person is saying as much as possible.
Don’t Pretend
Never pretend to
be someone you are not or misrepresent yourself. You might not get the
opportunity to develop a meaningful relationship if you do that.
Recognize the
Signs
If someone
is lying to you or hiding things, it can signify that they are a fraud.
Know such signs and keep safe.
Character Over
Chemistry
Choose a person
who has the right character and ethics. Prioritize it over your chemistry. If
someone gives you butterflies, it doesn’t necessarily mean they are right for
you. A person with too much charm or wit might be a narcissist or a player.
Algorithm-Based
Dating is Rising
The success of
online dating seems to be rising with the use of apps that utilize a compatibility
algorithm to pull out undesirable matches and find the best one who meets your
expectations. If accurate, this technology can help people find true love. The use
of this technology is bound to increase in the future.
Sources:
https://www.brides.com/does-online-dating-work-5112033#:~:text=Online%20dating%20appears%20to%20be,something%20casual%20or%20long%20term.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/wonk/wp/2016/03/23/the-truth-about-online-dating-according-to-someone-who-has-been-studying-it-for-years/
https://www.eharmony.com/is-online-dating-worth-it/