Question

In your own words, how has Internet dating changed the way people connect and meet? What are the pros and cons to forging new relationships in this manner? Conclude with online dating safety tips.

Answer 1

Internet dating is also called as online dating. It is the practice of finding a romantic partner through sites especially dedicated for this purpose.

Yes Internet dating has changed the way people connect and meet. Internet dating has revolutionalised dating by making it available for people across life spans and the convenience to choose one sitting right at your computer screen by mere click of a button. Through Internet dating now people first get to know a potential mate virtually before meeting them in person. Thus this saves the time, efforts and energy required in real life dating.

The pros of online dating are :

• Easy accessibility : One of the most important advantage of online dating is the easy accessibility. One doesn't have to be present in a particular event or places such as bars in order to find the potential mate. The potential mate is accessible at the click of a button right at the front of your computer screen.
• Variety : The second most important advantage of Internet dating is the variety you can choose from. Online dating gives the opportunity to select one's potential mate from an option of many.
• Effective matchimg: Online dating websites often have certain preferences or quizzes to help you match with your potential partner. Thus according to your preferences and results of quiz you are matched to potential partners.

The cons of online dating are:

• Overwhelming : With the variety and easy access to a number of potential mater confusion can occur and thus lead to feelings of overwhelm.
• Fake/false profiles:It's one of the most risky drawback of online dating. Often people online lie about their education, background or education. Cases have been seen where people have even put up a fake online picture.
• Sexual offenders present: This is especially true in cases in online sites for teenagers. These sites often includes pedophiles who lie about their age and have vicious intent.

Online dating safety tips:

• Always be straight, clear and direct with your conversations and purpose behind joining the dating website to prevent further dissapointment. Certain people on online dating websites are only looking for a fling or casual relationship. So asking leading questions and stating your intent beforehand helps to prevent dissapointment in the future.
• If one finds something fishy or murky while talking to a person such as a history of criminal behaviour or inappropriate sexual behaviour stop talking to the person at the earliest.
• While deciding to meet a person you found on an online dating site, let the place be a public place. Avoid places that are empty and isolated for your own safety.