Navigating the World of Online Dating
Whether you are looking for a casual hook-up, a serious relationship or some awkward encounters, online dating has it all. In a world where technology is at our fingertips 24/7 it is no wonder so many have turned to apps such as Hinge, Tinder, Bumble and Grindr to meet, mingle and date. But just because online dating is so common does not mean it is free from challenges. Let’s be real online dating is hard but it can be totally worth the challenge if you're up for it.
Before I met my partner I had been on multiple online dates, some went well, others forged friendships, while some left me knowing exactly what I did NOT want in a partner! Nevertheless online dating was fun, exciting, and eventually matched me with a wonderful man who I am still with today.
So, what are the benefits of online dating?
There are so many pros to online dating, such as it is a great way to learn what you want and don’t want in a partner. This will happen through texting and meeting a variety of people, as well as, filling out the dating questionnaires. These questionnaires prompt you to take a deeper look at what it is you are after and can teach you a thing or two about yourself! Online dating is also super accessible, especially with Covid lurking. Online dating is a great way to stay in contact even when unexpected lockdowns hit.
But isn’t online dating dangerous? How can I stay safe?
As with anything, online dating can seem scary at first glance but there are some things you can do to make sure you stay safe and feel comfortable on dates. For example, always meet in a public place like a café or restaurant, especially for the first date! Also, don’t carpool to your date, drive your own car, or use public transport. This will lower the risk of you being put in an uncomfortable situation and means your date won’t need to know where you live. Another key tip is to not overshare too many personal details straight up. Like maybe don’t tell them where you live and if they start texting asking for your credit card details, sorry to break it to you it’s definitely a scam! Remember online dating is just like dating in real life and you have the right not to answer a question if it is to invasive. Lastly, tell someone else the details of your date like a friend or family member. This can help provide comfort as someone will know your whereabouts at all times. As we said earlier online dating can be super fun and exciting and by following these few safety tips you can feel at ease while on your date!
And lastly here are some top tips and tricks on how to navigate the crazy world of online dating. The dating world is ever evolving, and it can be hard to keep up with what's what, but we hope with these few tips your online dating experience will run nice and smoothly!
1. Make sure you choose the right dating site for you! There are a range of dating websites and different apps so make sure you shop around before choosing which platform is best for you! Or if your feeling adventurous try multiple platforms!
2. Be authentic. Honesty is always the best policy, especially when it comes to online dating. Just be yourself and be open to what happens. Don’t lie about obvious things that will be outed on the first date, e.g your height!
3. Be open-minded. There is a wide variety of people on dating sites, so try to stay open to the idea that you may actually meet someone amazing to either become serious or casual with. This will not only encourage personal growth but put you in a positive mindset to meet someone.
4. Remember there is a real person on the other side of the screen. It is so important to be kind and treat your matches how you would like to be treated, this goes for dates in the real life as well!
5. Online dating is like real dating, boundaries and consent still apply! You should feel empowered to say no to answering a question or meeting up with someone if you do not feel comfortable. Just like dating in real life, boundaries must be communicated and consent gained, especially in regards to sexting and sending nudes!
6. And lastly, have fun! Online dating is exciting, it is different and can be super interesting at times. If at any time you start to feel like you’re not having fun and online dating becomes a chore, take a break, and perhaps try a different dating method.
Online dating is complex but definitely worth the challenge if your up for it. Just remember to be safe, respectful and have fun!
Remember for most dating sites you must be 18+ years of age to access and use the platform. Below is a website link which looks at a range of different sites and includes pro's, con's, cost and a small overview of each site:
Sourced: https://www.choice.com.au/electronics-and-technology/internet/using-online-services/articles/online-dating-sites-review
By Alexis Pallister
Image: canva