two interesting takes on online dating

[winterbadger]

An argument that online dating makes people more likely to break up because there is always a pool of other people out there to date,

and a counter-argument, that people who date online don't particularly enjoy it and want to stop as soon as they can.

Comments?

Comments

[rubicat.livejournal.com]

“As we become more secure in our ability to find someone else … the old thinking about commitment will be challenged very harshly.” (from the first article)

I have a unique perspective on this, since I found my first long-term relationship online in 1993 via IRC. And because I was not secure in my ability to find someone else, I was committed to making that relationship work come hell or high water. Now that I'm getting divorced next week after 20 years, I'm personally overwhelmed by online dating, for it's given many a false sense of ability. It really DOES come down to in-person interaction.

That said, I would never have met the colourful people I've met had it not been for online dating sites. I really want to connect to one person and see where things lead, but I think one of the awful parts of any sort of online profile is the ability to adapt who we want others to see, rather than the more truthful parts of ourselves. It comes down to being adept at communicating and being able to offer a great first impression without promising something you can't deliver.

It's really a double-edged sword...