The Pros and Cons of Online Dating: What If She’s A Man, Baby?
If you’re looking to date, hopping onto online platforms might be the way to go. With apps like Tinder and Bumble, it’s the fastest route to having fun and meeting someone new.
My friend Craig has been MIA lately. We used to chat and play tennis often, but I haven’t seen him around much. Yesterday, after a match at the club, I spotted him heading to the hot tub with a girl. Quite intriguing! Looks like he’s got himself a new flame.
After my match, I couldn’t help but sneak back to check out the scene. Unfortunately, she was gone by then. Drats! But there was Craig, beaming with a smile and enjoying some sangria he’d brought along. “Wassssssup?” I asked him.
“Yo, Sam! Good to see you, man. Not much. Just had a 3-hour date with a girl I met online. We hung out in the back, watched the Blue Angels, and had a blast,” Craig explained.
“Oh, really? Tell me more about this online dating stuff!” I probed.
Craig went on to tell me how he’d recently joined OKCupid, a free dating site, and was scoring tons of dates—two a week, at least. “There are so many women online, it’s crazy! I feel like a rockstar,” he grinned.
After an hour of chatting and some undercover research on my part (6 months of it!), I’ve put together Sam’s guide to navigating the world of online dating.
PROS OF ONLINE DATING
– You know what they’re looking for. Sometimes it’s tough for guys to approach girls at a bar. If she’s attractive, chances are every other guy thinks so too, and she might already have a boyfriend. But if she’s online and has a profile, you know she’s searching for something, unless stated otherwise.
– Test the waters. You can send messages, flirt, and wink all you want. If they don’t respond, no biggie. You haven’t invested much time or money. For guys on a budget, online dating is a godsend. And gone are the days wondering why the rich, not-so-attractive guys get all the women.
– It’s efficient. Any playboy or playgirl knows finding someone is a numbers game. Typically, one out of ten women might show interest in the average guy. But talking to ten different women in person? What a pain! Instead, you can go online and message a hundred at once, even copy-pasting your sassy opener. Bam! Better results.
– Customize your search. Want a 6’6″ beefcake who looks like Gronk? You can find him. Dreaming of a Jessica Alba lookalike? Keep dreaming—she’s taken!
CONS OF ONLINE DATING
– What if they’re not who they seem? That woman might actually be a man, and vice versa. You can’t really tell until you meet in person. Glamour shots can make anyone look thinner, prettier, or buffer. Ever said “HUH? WTF!” in your mind after seeing someone in real life compared to their photo? Deception’s too easy online.
– Privacy concerns. You’re putting yourself out there for the world to see. For those who cherish their privacy, this can be a hurdle. But if you post an inaccurate photo or bio, you’ll get fewer responses from the online community. Yet, if you’re stunning, you’ll be flooded with messages, which is kinda what you want—then you can pick the cream of the crop.
– Unwanted attention. You never know who you’ll meet online. Women, especially, should be cautious. When was the last time you heard of a female stalker? If you’re an attractive woman, you might get too much attention online to handle. If you ignore some, you might offend them—and the stalker might emerge.
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TIPS FOR FILLING OUT YOUR ONLINE PROFILE
– Be honest. Your picture and bio should be truthful. If you start off honestly, you know anyone interested is genuinely curious about you. People get discouraged and start embellishing—age, income, job, you name it. But the truth comes out eventually, so might as well start with it.
– Be responsive. If someone reaches out, respond. Who knows, they might be the one! Unless you’re a bombshell drowning in messages—in which case, why are you online anyway? Respond to those who make an effort. Even a “Thanks, but I don’t think we’re a match” suffices. If you’re not interested after that, no big deal.
– Show your personality. Don’t blend in with profiles that list The Notebook as your favorite movie and hiking as your passion. Stand out with something memorable like “Love skydiving, but still scared of heights,” or “Enjoying chardonnays while devouring a foot-high pastrami sandwich overlooking the Golden Gate Bridge.” Be descriptive and original.
– Look beyond the hottest. Sure, the hottest prospects get flooded with attention. Demand is high! It’s like buying prime property—expensive but always in demand. If you lower your standards a bit, you’ll find more opportunities.
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Online Dating Is Here To Stay
Online dating is now mainstream. Surprisingly, more people don’t opt for it. It’s efficient, widely accepted, and often free. Just watch out for Adam’s apples and crazy eyes!
As Saito once said, “Don’t you want to take a leap of faith? Or become an old man, filled with regret, waiting to die alone?”
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