Online Dating
- TeenToTeen
- Jan 5, 2021
- 3 min read
As our world becomes increasingly more technologically oriented, the idea of online friendships and romantic online relationships are becoming much more common. The internet is a great place to meet people from the comfort of… well… anywhere! Whether it be for finding gaming friends or something a little more intimate, the internet makes it really easy to interact with like-minded people. Let’s not forget though, online relationships can still pose a very valid threat. Having a relationship with someone you’ve never met leaves you vulnerable to situations where you could be taken advantage of. Everyone needs to learn how to balance having fun and staying safe online.
If you’re looking for love online, it will become apparent that there are a lot of fish in the sea; this can be both a good and bad thing. Dating apps make it extremely easy to narrow your search down to people who meet your standards. By just clicking a few buttons, one can be matched with individuals that they’re likely to be compatible with. Online dating provides more easily accessible potential partners than daily life possibly could, but the amount of choices can become overwhelming. Online dating may begin to feel one is "shopping" for a partner rather than actually establishing a satisfying relationship. However, it can also provide a more comfortable way of interaction for people who struggle with things like social anxiety or are just overall uneasy with face-to-face communication. Talking to someone online before meeting them in person is a way to get to know them with less pressure.
There’s no exact answer on whether or not online dating is successful, because it will be different for each individual. Some can vouch for online relationships, having a marital success story to back them up while others prefer the more traditional approach. If you do decide to give online dating a chance, some programs seem to be better than others. Match.com, OKCupid, eHarmony and Tinder have been deemed the top four sites for successful online relationships. Don’t feel limited to these though, the love of your life could be waiting for you on Instagram!
Online dating can be on opposite ends of the spectrum, and be either a safer or more dangerous way of dating. Because you’re strictly online at first, you won't be physically in danger for the beginning interactions. However being on the Internet in general puts you at risk because it’s possible that you could be speaking to someone who has been lying about their identity. It is also extremely important to be careful about what information you put out online and on your dating profiles; keeping certain things private avoids complications with anyone having malicious intent.
Now in essence both are conceptually similar, but there are differences between adults dating online and teens trying to date online. The Internet is a place where anyone can pretend to be anyone. As a teenager, it is extremely important to stay safe online. Pedophiles are able to hide behind a screen and take advantage of younger people who are impressionable and vulnerable, taking advantage of their trusting nature and overall inexperience. Take the extra steps to find out exactly who you’re speaking to before disclosing any type of information. If you're having a hard time meeting the one, why not give online dating a try. You could meet some great people, romantically and platonically! Just stay safe and attentive.
Maybe things are going great and you decide to finally meet this person in real life, you still need to be careful. Here are some tips to stay safe before going on a date with someone you’ve met online:
Right when you start talking, I recommend using a Google voice number instead of your actual phone number. This makes it more difficult to trace your location. This is important because some people will go to lengths to find your location.
Video chat before going on your first date! See their face, make sure you're meeting the person from the photos.
Meet up in a public setting and tell a friend or family member about your plans. You’ll have someone who can check up on you to make sure you're safe.
Do not give out too much personal information. Especially on a first date, no one needs to know the details about your living situation or anything of that nature.
Stay sober. Make sure you're safe the entire time and are in control of yourself.
Name: Nathalia Ramkissoon
Editor: Katelyn Clark
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