I always knew online dating worked for older people because my uncle married a woman he met online, and my friend’s mom had long-term relationships with the guys she met on the Internet.
But I didn’t realize how successful online dating was until exploring it first-hand.
Two of my friends told me they had been in a long-term relationship after meeting their boyfriends on the Web, and I also had a friend who used to work in a bridal shop tell me that many of the women who came to buy their dresses met through an online dating website.
Since it’s clear many people meet their significant other online, I thought a lot about how to write a column about online dating without ever actually trying it.
I decided to join the new dating website designed by two students in Barrett, the Honors College: DateU.us.
In one week I was messaged by four people and four additional people “winked” at me.
Although I found that online dating wasn’t for me and canceled my account after a week, I found there are three things to consider when putting yourself out there.
Not everyone’s intentions will match your own.
Within the first hour of being an online dater, I got a cyber catcall message that simply said “Wowza.”
It made me feel the same as if it were on the street. I wasn’t about to respond. Stay away from the creepy messages.
Another tip is to always use a picture. When someone has a picture of his or her car or a pet as their profile, other users assume it’s because you’re unattractive.
If you are sticking with online dating, then don’t be ashamed to show who you are.
We also don’t want to see a picture of what you looked like three years ago when you were 20 pounds lighter. Let people judge you and maybe you will find someone who will like you for you. It will make you feel better about yourself. And, more likely than not, you will not be receiving e-mails without a picture. So take the “risk.”
Online daters should keep an open mind. If you decide to try dating online, then expand your horizons. Why not try and talk to someone you wouldn’t have considered before?
Remember it’s the Internet; you never really know exactly whom you are talking to.
Even though online socializing has transformed over the years, it’s important to be careful when meeting people over the Internet. Be sure you don’t give away information that could compromise your safety.
Although I canceled my account after a week, the winks and messages definitely boosted my self-esteem. I’m not one to search out a relationship, so online dating wasn’t for me.
Everyone is different, though. If you’re looking for something new to try, don’t rule out online dating, because it works for a lot of people.
Reach Lindsey at lindsey.kupfer@asu.edu
