Online dating is a level playing field that not everyone is fond of. Some people have had an excellent experience while others have struggled to find a satisfying relationship on these matchmaking sites. There are as many as 30 million citizens across the country who use online dating sites and apps. Similar to the original concept of dating, meeting someone through the world wide web is also a tricky situation with its own set of social etiquettes and behavior patterns. Take a look at the pros and cons of online dating based on different aspects before deciding if it is for you or not:

Pros-

• Online dating sites offer a convenient and safe interaction space with potential partners without having to worry about the time commitment, thereby making it easy for busy professionals.
• Almost every online dating platform offers different types of personality tests which can recommend individuals to like-minded people thereby increasing their chances of compatibility.
• Individuals can connect with a huge number of potential partners through online dating sites which can be an advantage for people who are interested in partners of a particular orientation, lifestyle, or interest.
• Online dating websites can be a boon for people who are hesitant in traditional social situations and find it more comfortable to express themselves in the virtual world through photos and video messages before actually meeting a potential partner in person.

Cons- 

• Texting can be a disadvantage as communication through the computer is prone to greater chances of miscommunication thereby making it harder to evaluate a potential partner. There is also an impersonal air about communicating through online platforms that is not everyone’s cup of tea.
• A match through these compatibility-based personality tests is not always accurate. This is because people may present themselves in a certain way in order to make a better impression and be quite different in real life.
• Often when talking to multiple people at the same time, it can be very easy to get carried away, or not give a budding relationship the time it deserves. Choose whom to converse with carefully and set a few ground rules during the initial stages itself, helping you and the other person have a clear idea of where things are going.
• Some users on online dating sites have deceitful intentions as they attempt to lure people into a scam and extort money from them in exchange for keeping your personal information private.

In conclusion, it is important to remember that while online dating can be used as a resource to interact with interesting and like-minded individuals, it also has its pitfalls. You need to consider all aspects of your virtual interaction carefully before divulging your personal information to the person on the other side and meeting them in real life.

Online dating has transformed the way two people meet. Gone are the days of requesting your best friend to introduce you to someone in your extended circle. Today, technology has improved and enhanced different modes of communication thus opening up new avenues for dating. The increasing use of smartphones has also enabled users to download mobile app versions of dating websites, create a profile on the go, update preferences, and find a match.

New romances are always exciting and the possibility of meeting the right person is a definite cause for happiness. But beware of not reading the fine print carefully before signing up on an online dating platform; this world too has its own rules and regulations as well as precautionary measures you must take note of. Here are a few points you must consider before you join a dating website and end up paying for premium services.

Beware of decoy profiles
It may burst your bubble but understand that many online dating websites have fake or decoy profiles to simply entice unsuspecting users to continue browsing for their potential partner. It is not uncommon to come across a profile that might seem perfect on the surface but is actually a scam account. Decoy profiles are handled by paid writers who simply do the bare minimum to keep someone interested long enough for the user to finally pay for premium services. Read the profile bio carefully, take a good look at the pictures uploaded, and most importantly chat with the user thoroughly to establish the authenticity of the profile.

It is not an instant process
You have to realize that there are a lot of factors that are not under your control on a dating website. Finding a match online is a complex process and often times users unable to find a match or have a steady relationship fall into depression after spending a considerable amount of time on the site. You must never let your online dating endeavors influence your self-esteem. Your online profile does not determine your self-worth in any way.

Online dating is not your only solution
Always know that online dating is only a tool, a means to meet someone. But that doesn’t mean you end up spending a significant part of your day staring at the screen waiting for a response. If you manage to get a response, it is well and good. However, don’t let the online profile take over your life as it is easy to get carried away waiting for someone to respond from the other side of the digital veil. You will have a better chance of meeting someone when you expand your social circle in real life too by joining a course, going to a reunion and the like.