Negative news sells. This might explain press penchant for
nightmare experiences with online dating, or internet dating if
you prefer.
Added to this are negative views and stereotypes such as,
"online dating is for geeks" and "online dating is for the
desperate". This article is about dispelling some of the common
negative views and stereotypes by presenting facts.
Common Fallacies and Truths about Online Dating
Fallacy: "Online dating is not safe; I've heard too many
nightmare stories."
Truth: Nightmare stories you've heard are actually rare and more
likely to occur in bars, night clubs and free chat rooms. They
only appear common-place due to publicity they get from the
press.
Reputable dating services go out of their way to ensure safe and
secure dating environment for their members. Plus, the cost
commitment eliminates many practical jokers and lowlifes.
Fallacy: "Online dating is for geeks."
Truth: Surveys show that the majority of online daters are
normal people with at least a college education, a career, above
average income and are socially active. Most are interested in a
serious
relationship.
Fallacy: "You have to be good with computers."
Truth: If all you can do is click a mouse and send an email
(which you can learn in a few minutes), you are ready for online
dating. Popular dating sites make it easy for you and will guide
you through.
Fallacy: "Online dating is for liars, losers and the desperate."
Truth: Online dating sites indicate their members tend to be
significantly higher educated and earn above average incomes,
are sincere and honest people in search for serous relationships.
Fallacy: "It's not safe to meet strangers online."
Truth: It's never really safe to meet strangers anywhere, least
of all bars and night clubs. Online dating lets you remain
anonymous till comfortable enough to reveal more to the most
suitable prospect.
Fallacy: "It takes/requires a huge time commitment."
Truth: Online dating is the only medium right now that allows
you to go mate-hunting at your convenience. It is open 24/7 and
you can do it in your spare time.
Fallacy: "People lie and misrepresent themselves."
Truth: People lie and misrepresent themselves in person
too.
With proper checks, some online dating education, and good old
guts you can learn to uncover deception easily and quickly.
Fallacy: "I'd be too embarrassed if someone found out."
Truth: What are chances of someone who knows you stumbling upon
your personal ad among millions in one dating site among
hundreds? And what would they be doing there in the first place?
If they are surfing, they are on the same boat with you.
Fallacy: "I'd be embarrassed to tell friends and family that we
met online."
Truth: But you wouldn't be embarrassed to tell them that you met
in a bar? What's important is that you find someone who makes
you happy, not whether you met in a bar, church or through a
modem. Look around and you'll find couples who met online and
are happy, even proud to say so.
Fallacy: "You have to be good at writing."
Truth: Actually, conversation-style writing works better as it
has a personal feel. Just write like you talk and you are good
to go. Use a spelling checker, which comes with most word
processing documents such as Word or WordPad. Some of these do
check your grammar also.
Fallacy: "Online dating
is for the young and restless."
Truth: Surveys indicate that the fastest growing segment in
online dating is 40 years plus. This is partly due to other
methods not being as open to this segment, and the fact that
career and other commitments tend to peak at around that age.
Fallacy: "Online dating is for old, naughty or desperate people."
Truth: Older people are the fastest growing segment in online
dating, simply because it provides them an easier and quicker
way to meet potential mates. But younger people still make the
majority, especially those who are busy in careers.
Fallacy: "It's for people who are not social and have trouble
finding a date."
Truth: At the risk of repeating, online dating membership is
mainly composed of professional, sincere and romantic people who
are also socially active. Internet dating simply offers them an
easy and time-saving way to meet like-minded people.
Fallacy: "It's too impersonal. There's no real chemistry doesn't
feel real."
Truth: If you've ever read a story that drove you to tears you
know that writing does convey emotions. Also, top dating sights
now offer voice chats
and video conferencing. You can look and
talk to the other person, making an almost personal date.
Fallacy: "It's too expensive."
Truth: How much is the (potential) perfect partner worth to you?
Online dating actually costs much less than traditional dating
that involves costly dinners before you even find out if you
have anything in common.
Dating online allows you to find out if you have something in
common, and to know each other to a reasonable degree before the
actual meeting.
Conclusion: Online dating is one of the most wonderful, healthy
and appealing ways of finding a companion or even a lifetime
partner. If you have not tried it, you owe it to yourself to do
so. Top-rated dating sites offer free trials before you commit,
so why not try online dating today?
About the author:
David Kamau owns http://e-datecentral.com. Visit now, sharpen
your online dating skills and check out top online dating picks.
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