Is cyberspace the new matchmaker for individuals in search for love and romance? Internet match making sites have becomes one of the most profitable and growing businesses of the twenty – first century. Has the phenomenon of online dating has become the accepted methodology for looking for love in this modern age? According to the Journal of Computer-Mediated Communication in 2003 the number of Americans using online dating services was 29 millions, however the following years that number had grown to 40 million (2004, p2). Furthermore the number of singles using the internet for match making continues to grown annually. The reasons people use the internet as a means to find romance is diverse and multifaceted.
Many individuals feel that utilizing the internet for online dating offers convenience and quantity. Countless people have joined online dating services to find romance in addition to the time- honored methods of match making. And while traditional methods are still utilized, online dating offers more choices because it is not bound by the geographical restraints of traditional match matching. Furthermore, using an online dating service allows communication via the internet through chat rooms, emailing and instant messaging before the exchange of phone numbers and true identities. The internet allows individuals a fairly safe environment if proper precautions are taken. For example, if the conversations have advanced the point of exchanging phone numbers, a person should always use a mobile phone and never a land phone until a certain level of trust has been reached.
Trust is always difficult in any relationship and especially difficult in an online environment. Especially given that only two percent of online match making evolve and lead to a walk down the aisle. However, this statistic does not account for the number of long-term relationships or the percentages of couples that decide to forego matrimony. Nevertheless, despite the low percentages of finding romance on the internet many singles have joined online dating service in hopes of finding a compatible mate. And although everyone knows someone or have experienced firsthand a disappointing face to face first date as a consequence of the initial meeting, Online dating services continue to grow and thrive, perhaps our journey has been revised by the internet. Nevertheless, even in the age of the impersonal computer the human desire remains unchanged. The yearning to arrive at ultimate destination of unconditional acceptance and lasting true love,
References:
Journal of Computer –Mediated Communication – Subject Managing Impressions Online: Self Presentation Processes in the Online Dating Environment
Many individuals feel that utilizing the internet for online dating offers convenience and quantity. Countless people have joined online dating services to find romance in addition to the time- honored methods of match making. And while traditional methods are still utilized, online dating offers more choices because it is not bound by the geographical restraints of traditional match matching. Furthermore, using an online dating service allows communication via the internet through chat rooms, emailing and instant messaging before the exchange of phone numbers and true identities. The internet allows individuals a fairly safe environment if proper precautions are taken. For example, if the conversations have advanced the point of exchanging phone numbers, a person should always use a mobile phone and never a land phone until a certain level of trust has been reached.
Trust is always difficult in any relationship and especially difficult in an online environment. Especially given that only two percent of online match making evolve and lead to a walk down the aisle. However, this statistic does not account for the number of long-term relationships or the percentages of couples that decide to forego matrimony. Nevertheless, despite the low percentages of finding romance on the internet many singles have joined online dating service in hopes of finding a compatible mate. And although everyone knows someone or have experienced firsthand a disappointing face to face first date as a consequence of the initial meeting, Online dating services continue to grow and thrive, perhaps our journey has been revised by the internet. Nevertheless, even in the age of the impersonal computer the human desire remains unchanged. The yearning to arrive at ultimate destination of unconditional acceptance and lasting true love,
References:
Journal of Computer –Mediated Communication – Subject Managing Impressions Online: Self Presentation Processes in the Online Dating Environment
2 comments:
Brenda - Great facts! I am reading Mark Penn's Microtrends, and he has a chapter on online dating. Those who are professional and keep trying (meet on average 12 people in a year), are very satisfied with their results!
Nice image :)
Janet
I love the image as well! Grat points here, I have tried online dating and loved the ease of it- the ability to pick and choose and not feel pressure. I have friends who have had great success and have married the person they met online. Great blog!
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