Online dating is a mixed bag of experiences. It has gained popularity over time, and especially now due to the effects of Covid-19 and shelter-in-place orders in most places. Luckily, online dating is shaking off the stigma associated with online relationships. Research shows that more than 40 million Americans have used dating sites and apps. Also, thanks to social networking sites such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, among others, more people are meeting online and building strong, loving relationships.

Before you download that app, however, or jump headlong into the online dating world, consider the following pros and cons. A little caution will guarantee a fantastic experience as you look for your soulmate or just a nice evening date.

The Pros

More people trying online dating

As mentioned, more than 40 million Americans use dating sites and apps. You won’t be alone in your journey. Some apps like Tinder have more than 50 million users globally, further confirming your suspicions that more people have turned to the digital space to find love.

Dating site algorithms match you based on personality, compatibility and requirements.

Perhaps the single most attractive thing about dating sites and apps is the ability to match users based on personality and compatibility. Advances in algorithms and machine learning means than now, computers can crunch massive amounts of personal data points to give you the best match based on your personality and your requirements.

Gone are the days of enduring countless blind dates and awkward first dates. With online dating, you’re sure of getting your closest match.

Potential to meet a diverse pool of partners

With millions of potential singles on online dating sites and apps, you’re guaranteed to meet people from very diverse backgrounds, beliefs, and personalities. Your circle of potential mates is no longer limited to your geographic region but extends across the world. You can choose based on any type, belief, sexual orientation, lifestyle, among so many other factors.

Date from anywhere, anytime.

Online dating is extremely convenient. You can carry on with conversations from anywhere, anytime. With a few apps and a connection to the internet, you can meet, chat, video chat, and organize physical dates from the comfort of your living room, or bed if you feel like it.

Your interactions, unlike physical dates, aren’t limited to physical meetings or locations. Whip out your phone and immediately connect with your potential soulmate.

Extremely cost-effective

Let’s face it, dates are expensive or can be. Sadly, a date guarantees nothing. You might go all out to impress your partner, and the relationship doesn’t proceed further.

With dating sites and apps, you can date for absolutely nothing, or pay a small amount to get better services and matches. Your small investment is minimal compared to the upside.

The Cons

Lot’s of weirdos and perverts

On the downside, online dating attracts some of the worst individuals. If you go down this path, prepare to be inundated with some of the weirdest requests, people will flake on you. You might even receive some lewd photos and comments.

A little piece of advice: Keep going. Expect it and stay safe while on the interwebs.

Time-consuming

Online dating takes a lot of time. From the time you find a potential partner, initiate conversation, and organize a meeting, it might take forever, not to mention the emotional rollercoaster.

For busy professionals, online dating isn’t a good idea. You’re better off using a matchmaking service such as HEHE Match to weed out all the fakes and introduce you to only focused and ready singles.

Paradox of choice

At the same time, you’re spoilt for choice. Online dating offers so many options that it becomes challenging to settle on anyone. You’ll always be weighing whether the next person on the list is better than the previous.

The more options you have, according to the paradox of choice, the more difficult it is to make a choice, and this creates unhappiness.

To achieve better results, slow down. Go in with a solid idea of the kind of person you want. Also, realize that you may meet a few people who won’t qualify for a second date or even make life partners.

Prepare for nasty rejections

You need thick skin to survive the online dating space. Online dates are sometimes clueless, insensitive, and fakes. Some will use fake images to impress, also called “catfishing.” Others will reject you on the flimsiest of excuses because they aren’t looking for a serious relationship.

Similarly, you’ll also receive lots of unwanted attention. Check whether your dating service offers options to prequalify, filter, block, or report unsolicited or abusive behavior.