Mcintosh's Essay 'Digital Deception'

1139 Words3 Pages

In today’s society, dating websites have become a very popular way for people, particularly singles, to meet online and meet their potential mate. Internet dating has become more or less accepted as a means to forming a relationship, and with so many different matchmaking websites, potential partners are being well marketed. The sites promote use by publicizing the idea that anyone can find their perfect mate. However, what people fail to understand is that it’s easier to lie online rather than face to face. “Just as statements can be falsified, so can entire online profiles-….” (McIntosh 230) it opens up opportunities for people to be coerced into sending money, or personal information to someone they met online. In her essay “Digital Deception” …show more content…

She opens the essay with the unpleasant tale of a nurse who met a wealthy businessman on an online dating site. The unfortunate nurse really believed that “something special” was happening in this relationship of theirs. Shortly after they were engaged, it came to light that the man she was planning to marry was a financial conman who’d stolen from her and others totaling up to about $12,000 (McIntosh 229). She uses a very parental tone, like a mother warns a child, of how dangerous it is to date online, and why users should learn to be more aware of who they attempt to begin a relationship with online.
However, the problem that McIntosh is trying to bring more awareness to is the lack of information people don’t look for or ask for when they begin the process of dating on the web. There’s no right or wrong in your decision to date online, but according to Kim Boatman from the article The Dangers of Internet Dating, “it’s recommended that you talk to loved ones or family members when looking for a mate online. Often people who care about you have your best interests at heart. They have a tendency of picking up warning signs about potential mates their loved ones are considering

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