Posted: April 29th, 2022

Online Dating: A New Social Norm?

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Online Dating: A New Social Norm?

Online dating has become increasingly popular in the past decade, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. According to a survey by Pew Research Center, 30% of U.S. adults have used a dating app or site, and 12% have found a committed relationship or marriage through online dating (Smith and Anderson, 2020). But what are the benefits and challenges of online dating, and how does it affect our society and relationships?

Benefits of Online Dating

One of the main benefits of online dating is that it provides access to a large and diverse pool of potential partners. Online dating platforms allow users to filter their preferences based on various criteria, such as age, location, education, hobbies, religion, and more. This can help people find compatible matches that they might not encounter in their everyday lives. Online dating also enables people to communicate and get to know each other before meeting in person, which can reduce the awkwardness and uncertainty of first dates.

Another benefit of online dating is that it can empower people who face social barriers or stigma in their offline dating experiences. For example, online dating can be a safe and comfortable space for LGBTQ+ individuals, people with disabilities, racial and ethnic minorities, and other marginalized groups to express their identities and find acceptance and support from others who share their experiences (Ortega and Hergovich, 2018: 2024 – Write My Essay For Me | Essay Writing Service For Your Papers Online). Online dating can also help people who are shy, introverted, or have low self-esteem to overcome their fears and build confidence in their social skills.

Challenges of Online Dating

However, online dating also comes with some challenges and risks that need to be addressed. One of the main challenges of online dating is that it can create a false sense of intimacy and connection between strangers who have not met in person. Online communication can lack the nonverbal cues and emotional feedback that are essential for building trust and rapport. Moreover, some people may lie or exaggerate about themselves on their profiles or messages, which can lead to disappointment or deception when they meet in real life.

Another challenge of online dating is that it can foster a consumerist and superficial attitude towards romantic relationships. Online dating platforms often present users with an abundance of choices and opportunities, which can make them feel overwhelmed and dissatisfied with their current or potential partners. Some people may engage in “swiping” or “ghosting” behaviors, where they quickly judge or dismiss others based on their appearance or profile information, without giving them a chance to show their personality or character. This can result in a lack of commitment, respect, and empathy among online daters.

Effects of Online Dating on Society and Relationships

Online dating has significant effects on society and relationships, both positive and negative. On the positive side, online dating can increase social integration and diversity by bringing together people from different backgrounds and cultures who would not otherwise meet. Online dating can also facilitate long-distance relationships and marriages, which can enhance the quality and stability of couples’ bonds (Jiang et al., 2020). Furthermore, online dating can promote personal growth and development by exposing people to new experiences and perspectives.

On the negative side, online dating can undermine social cohesion and trust by creating a culture of individualism and isolation. Online dating can reduce the need for face-to-face interactions and community involvement, which can weaken the social ties and networks that are vital for well-being and resilience. Online dating can also increase the incidence and severity of cyberbullying, harassment, and abuse, which can have detrimental effects on mental health and safety (Chan et al., 2021). Additionally, online dating can erode the value and meaning of romantic relationships by commodifying them into products or services that can be easily replaced or discarded.

Conclusion

Online dating is a complex phenomenon that has both advantages and disadvantages for individuals and society. Online dating can offer convenience, diversity, empowerment, and opportunity for finding love and happiness. However, online dating can also pose challenges such as deception, dissatisfaction, disrespect, and danger for those who use it. Therefore, online daters need to be aware of the potential benefits and risks of online dating, and exercise caution, honesty, respect, and responsibility when engaging with others online.

References

Chan L.S., Lo T.W., Ho L.Y., Chui C.M., Lee T.M.C., Gao T., Wong J.Y.H. (2021). Cyber Dating Abuse Among Adolescents: Prevalence,
Impact on Mental Health Outcomes,
and Coping Strategies.
Journal of Interpersonal Violence.
https://doi.org/10.1177/08862605211004235

Jiang L.C., Hancock J.T., Felmlee D.H., Bazarova N.N., Liu X., Toma C.L., Ellison N.B., Heino R.D., Gibbs J.L., Fiore A.T., Mendelsohn G.A., Shaw Taylor L. (2020). The Longitudinal Effects of Online Dating on Relationship Satisfaction and Breakup: Evidence From a Large Representative Survey.
Journal of Computer-Mediated Communication, 25(4), 332-349.
https://doi.org/10.1093/jcmc/zmaa018

Ortega R., Hergovich P. (2018: 2024 – Write My Essay For Me | Essay Writing Service For Your Papers Online). The Strength of Absent Ties: Social Integration via Online Dating.
Physics and Society.
https://arxiv.org/abs/1709.10478

Smith A., Anderson M. (2020). The Virtues and Downsides of Online Dating.
Pew Research Center.

The Virtues and Downsides of Online Dating

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