The answer to this question differs from person to person, with some stating that their friends' partners all met through Tinder, while others argue that the app is primarily used for quick hookups and has numerous drawbacks. In summary, is online dating worth it? The answer is a resounding yes.
1. You can meet people in your area
Online dating allows you to connect with individuals you may not have crossed paths with otherwise, providing a sense of efficiency in pursuing available options. While some prioritize long-term relationships, the comfort of knowing there are potential partners nearby who are interested in casual encounters is also valuable. Do you catch my drift?
2. You consider people you wouldn't consider otherwise
On Tinder, you may come across people you would likely overlook in a club within a short span of time. This platform allows you to be thorough and comprehensive in your search, leaving no stone unturned. Online dating is advantageous in this sense as it encourages you to challenge your own standards. Although you may have a preference for tall, dark, and handsome "bad boys," taking a chance to swipe on a slim redhead after a glass of wine isn't a bad thing. Everyone deserves a chance.
3. You can be vain
Online dating provides a level of privacy where you don't have to share your thoughts or actions with friends when passing on or engaging with potential partners. It can serve as a way to alleviate boredom, while also allowing you to thoughtfully assess who you want to pursue a relationship with. This ability to assert agency in your own life is empowering and not something that will simply come to you - it's something you must actively pursue and advocate for.
4. Of course, you might miss out on spontaneous opportunities
On the flip side, some may argue that by constantly swiping under your duvet at home, you're missing out on potential opportunities by not being out and about. While this is a valid concern, online dating also allows you to connect with people who may be visiting from out of town and would otherwise be unavailable to you. Rest assured, even with the use of dating apps, there is still room for excitement. Online dating is simply a starting point for a relationship, not the entirety of it.
5. You troubleshoot compatibility
Online dating can be a great time-saver as it allows you to establish a basic level of compatibility before even meeting in person. You have the opportunity to review the other person's profile and determine if they are funny or interesting enough to pursue a connection. Likewise, they have done the same with your profile. This way, you can ensure that you have a few curated angles and starting points for date ideas based on what you've learned from each other's profiles.
6. You know they like you
Online dating can streamline the dating process by eliminating some of the ambiguity that comes with meeting someone in person. When meeting someone in real life, you have to read their body language and make eye contact across a crowded bar - it's like a game of cat and mouse. With online dating, there's no such uncertainty. You only connect with people who swipe on each other, making the process straightforward. While it may not be the most romantic situation, it can boost your confidence and help calm nerves in the early stages of dating.
7. You can keep your options open
Online dating, particularly on apps like Tinder, allows you to connect with multiple people at once and keep your options open without over-committing. With practice, you can become more skilled at online dating and dating in general. This also means that you have a tangible way to compare previous conversations and improve your approach. Ultimately, online dating serves as a reminder that you have other options and are a desirable catch. This can help you avoid getting treated poorly by someone who is not interested in a genuine connection. If someone is not responding to you, they have no excuse as you can easily move on to someone who will treat you better.
8. You can make it a passive part of your life
For introverted individuals or those who don't enjoy the social scene, online dating is a great option. It eliminates the need to put yourself out there by going to bars, clubs, parties, and other places where singles might be found. With dating apps, you can easily swipe through potential matches until you find someone who catches your eye, and if the feeling is mutual, you can then think about meeting up in person. Overall, online dating offers a more convenient and comfortable way to connect with others.
9. You can present the best side of yourself
I'm not implying that you should use heavily edited photos to misrepresent yourself, but online dating allows you to showcase your best physical and personal attributes in one place. As they say, first impressions matter, and this is a significant advantage of using dating apps.
10. You know that they're doing that too
This also provides reassurance as both parties have a clear understanding of what the relationship entails. This removes any unnecessary pressure and allows both individuals to be their authentic selves. It eliminates the need to play games and encourages an honest and direct approach.
