Online Dating - Essay Example

Download file to see previous pages... It is therefore accessible to anyone who can afford and access the electronic media through ownerships or internet kiosks.
Internet dating has bridged the geographical gaps and done away with the time zone constraints. Although being within communicable distances eases the fostering of a relationship, for people who can stand the test of long distance romance, online dating is a boon.
With its convenience, it is cost effective too, with initial prepping totally absent and users do not meet until the relationship has progressed further down the road enough to pique their interests. It is no longer necessary for singles to endure a tense multi-hour first date in order to discover the fatal flaw that makes sitting through the date a chore. With ideal online dating, anyone with such a flaw is weeded away when the profiles are read. A "deal breaker" characteristic never makes the first cut; straight forward honest profiles help do away with initial contact that are doomed from the first minute between involved parties. This not only saves a lot of time and money, but also avoids unnecessary emotional seesaws. Mel Morris, Udate.com's CEO explains, "Essentially the process of chatting online [...] enables people to be more frank and honest in the initial stages of a possible relationship" (2)
One other great concept is that in contrast to a blind date, frequenting a bar, or attending a singles function, meeting online does not require any preparation in terms of wardrobe upgrades, or salon visits or busting the wallets. This reduces unnecessary wasteful expenditure incurred due to traditional methods. One does not even need to be in a good mood to log on and make a good impression through the written medium. As Andrea Baker, a sociologist at Ohio University explains, "The written word promotes people talking about themselves without the self-consciousness of how do I look, how am I dressed" (1).
Online dating is discreet; no one need ever know until it is disclosed often when the ubiquitous question "where'd you meet" pops up. With social stigma's still attached to advertising in the periodicals and posting online classified, online dating assures privacy once the window is closed. The initial anonymity offered induces even shy people to approach people and make moves that they would never attempt in person. The chances of meeting people from different realms are also high that would normally not be possible because of lack of interaction in varied circles.
The most important advantage is that profiling can be done as per individual's tastes and preferences. Interests can be based on personality characteristics, background/values, likes/dislikes, proximity to place of residence, age, religion, ethnicity etc. This also helps to weed out incompatible traits or qualities and hobbies that are uncomfortable to be dealt with personally. "Eyes are the windows of the soul" and genuine well-taken and published photos added to the profile often instigate an instant appeal and elicit an instant attraction that heralds the beginning of a fruitful chat.
It can be an especially great ego boost to individuals seeking a relationship with emotional baggage and lower self-confidence. The anonymity will urge them to venture into the playing field sooner than later, and a lot of interest generated by their ...Download file to see next pagesRead More