Op-Ed: The pros and cons of online dating

By Loren Rhoades, Assistant Features Editor

The internet has become a place of endless possibilities, a place with the finest recipes, endless amounts of dog photos and love-struck romance–romance that can be found through online dating.

Online dating has become quite the phenomena in this social media-centered world. Couples are getting together on sites designed for the purpose of meeting a significant other. Online dating is fine of course, when done the right way.

When searching for a companion online, one must always be aware of the dangers. Always be sure to check that it isn’t a scam. Scammers are prevalent on dating sites and are constantly seeking out gullible people who will do their wishes, such as sending them money or giving away account info.

Some would say the online dating in its entirety is a scam. It is believed that meeting someone on the internet only causes heartache because the so-called match that has been found online never turns out as expected.

The idea that online dating only consists of heartaches and scams isn’t exactly correct, though; there are couples across the nation and even the world who have met online and have no complaints. Yes, there is always that possibility of a not-so-happy ending, but that doesn’t have to be the case.

Another thing to watch for when trying to find a good match on the internet is to make sure it’s being done for the right reasons. Don’t just join a dating site for the sole purpose of finding an attractive party date. Make sure the search is also based on their different character traits.

Sadly, online dating is specifically looked down upon for the reason that it can be based only on looks, which makes for a very conceited society. Many people date online specifically for the purpose of finding someone attractive to have a good time with every once in a while.

Finding someone physically attractive is definitely important in a romantic relationship, but it isn’t the most important thing. Remember that when seeking out a relationship on the internet–especially because that can be all that is seen about a person initially when finding them on the web.

Also, when dating online always make sure to use a reputable site. If a website is well known and has a large number of decent reviews, it is probably more trustworthy than one randomly found on a Google search.

There are people who would disagree there are even any reputable dating sites in existence. These people believe that all dating websites are a waste of time and that nothing good can come of them. This is mainly due to the fact that they require no face-to-face interaction.

There are actually many reputable dating apps and sites that have led to plenty of happy relationships; you just have to take the time to find them. Popular sites with good reviews include Match, eHarmony and Zoosk. There is also Tinder, which is a well-known app used more by people ranging from the ages of 18-29.

Lastly, always meet in a public setting when meeting the online match for the first time. Just because some persons dating profile says they are a kind and compassionate soul, that might not be the case. There is no problem with taking a little precaution, especially on the first meeting.

In many circumstances, it is looked down upon to meet in person at all. There is the opinion that even thinking about meeting someone from a dating site can be unsafe.

This opinion is based on the idea that the person might not be who they say they are. Meeting someone in person after chatting on the internet doesn’t have to be an unsafe situation.

Plus, if the person is having any doubt they can always bring someone with them just in case. But as long the date or meeting is in a public setting there is no reason for there to be an issue.