Hassler's 'Digital Dating: Desperation Or Necessity'

1027 Words3 Pages
bulb-icon

Recommended: Compare and contrast online dating verses traditional dating

“Digital Dating: Desperation or Necessity” is an article written by Christine Hassler responding to a 26-year-old “Online Dating Phobic” from Atlanta who is questioning the viability of online dating sites and whether or not it is pathetic or shameful to use them. Throughout this essay Hassler supports online dating, explaining that the internet or as she describes it the “world wide web” has taken control of human interaction. Because of this people of who are in the mid-20’s demographic who are accustomed to using social networking sites such as Facebook and Myspace should not fear these online dating sites. Hassler then assures in the article that if the right safety measures are taken when meeting your date then there is nothing to lose …show more content…

Christine Hassler makes a good point by saying “Just Be Cautious…. When you meet someone for the first time (I recommend afternoon coffee in a very public place).” There are potential dangers such as, personal safety when meeting someone, stalking and harassing, and even people misrepresenting what they show on their profile in online dating. There are safety steps to prevent the dangers of online dating that make it very safe. For starters, you should only use a dating website that is a member of the Online Dating Association (ODA), this association promise to be honest with their users and protect their privacy. Then there are many different ways to insure safety, like meeting people in public on the first several dates, being aware of scammers, or keeping your address and personal information anonymous on your website profile. Also, having one negative experience on a dating website shouldn’t make you fear continuing to use that site. A pewinternet.org research survey found that 36% of people from the ages of 18-29 had blocked or unfriended someone they had previously been in a relationship with on a social media site, such as Facebook or twitter. This shows that people have bad online experiences in relationships that weren’t begun on an online dating site. There is no question online dating has aspects that seem unsafe, but by taking the right precautions in protecting yourself it can be a very safe way to meet new …show more content…

The statistics don’t lie, and neither does my personal experience. I would agree that online dating isn’t for everyone. Some individuals have trouble communicating online and they feel as if they can’t show who they truly are by beginning a conversation on the internet. And other people are just worried about the safety aspect of it. That’s understandable. But for the rest of people who are “single and ready to mingle” that are not part of a big social group, or don’t have opportunities to meet people outside of their regular life” online dating is a great option. With the right safety precautions there is nothing to risk by using online dating to find people who are compatible. Also, for the people who are uncomfortable meeting someone for the first time on a date rather than through a friend group or social group there are dating sites like ignighter.com (mentioned in response), christianmingle.com, or blackpeoplemeet.com that are designed to meet a person’s preferences not only by finding the right type of person but the right situation to meet that person in. No one should be ashamed or embarrassed by online dating, it is becoming more and more accepted in the U.S. For the many people, online dating can be used as a legitimate and viable tool to finding the person of their

Show More
Related

  • Sherry's Response To 'The Flight From Conversation'

    735 Words  | 2 Pages

    This can lead to agoraphobia, the fear of being present in public places. Studies have shown that “ Approximately 1.8 million American adults age 18 and over (about 0.8 percent of people in this age group in a given year) have agoraphobia without panic disorder.” It seems to me that there is a correlation between the increase of online dating websites and this panic disorder. Technology gives us the illusion that we are free, but in reality we are chained to

    Read More

  • Online Dating Analysis

    898 Words  | 2 Pages

    There are an endless number of reasons why people put ads out for dating, which are anywhere from convenience, to time since most of us have very busy schedules. It also allows people to get themselves out to a specific group that may or may not have been able to reach without this source. Many people don’t like the bar scene and feel it to be a somewhat more secure way of getting out there to perhaps meet new people with the possibility of meeting “the one”. For myself personally I am on a few dating sites for basically all the reasons which I have listed above. Generally the schedule I keep does not permit ample time to get out of my circle to meet new people that I may possibly care to date. In some situations it might be, a good way for more shy people to get into circulation in the dating world because it gives them a port of entry that is non- threatening nor is it as intrusive. Nonetheless this still poses many dilemmas and challenges to most that are engaging in the online dating lifestyles.

    Read More

  • Essay On Dating

    1148 Words  | 3 Pages

    The uses of these dating sites and apps have greatly inclined. In 2008, only three percent of Americans used an online dating site now that has increased to nine percent (Ambrose and Palm). The whole concept of meeting a potential girlfriend or boyfriend at a public setting is no longer a

    Read More

  • The Basics of Online Dating

    1681 Words  | 4 Pages

    ...Five percent of Americans who are in a marriage or a committed relationship say they met their significant other online” (2). The reality of how relationships are started is through the traditional methods of meeting people offline. People like to meet others through introductions and referrals because it provides a sense of security. Due to the direction that society is headed, we are seeing more and more technological advances. These new advances are giving people the freedom to meet and integrate with others in the society in a safe fashion. However, we know that technology is not one-hundred percent safe proof. Because technology is not completely safe and is not always accurate individuals must use common sense to determine when a situation is not being used properly. Online dating sites through the technological advances are getting lots of recognition.

    Read More

  • Mcintosh's Essay 'Digital Deception'

    1139 Words  | 3 Pages

    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

    Read More

  • Benefits Of Online Dating

    1091 Words  | 3 Pages

    With social networking services being more and more popular, it is universal to have online dating. According to a report, “over 40 million Americans have given online dating a try, and over a third of the American couples married between 2005 and 2012 met online.” This phenomenon causes us to think deeply about whether online dating is advisable or not. Because of the rapid development of technology and economy, many stressed people are eagerly seeking confidence and self-identity through the internet. Therefore, online dating has become a new and acceptable method of loving subconsciously. However, it should never replace meeting a person in real life because it may be spurious, illusory and fragile.

    Read More

  • The Negative Outcomes of Online Dating

    1487 Words  | 3 Pages

    ...ecoming very popular and help lots of people get together and start new and beautiful lives together. With all good there must be a bad, Dating sites also are a potential risk. I bit of advice for the person that are on these sites are that before they go out meeting up with someone they just met. They should look them up on Google or a background check company. Just to double check that they are not no crazy or sick person. Online Dating with its success has proven to be one of major tools used in modern times to start a meaningful relationship. In life, people spend their entire lives looking for that loved one and often have a difficult time finding love, but Online Dating can help all these people find their perfect match and lead them towards getting married and living a happy life in new way that wasn't always possible with traditional types of dating.

    Read More

  • Evolution of Online Dating: A Personal Perspective

    798 Words  | 2 Pages

    Having children to care for and part-time jobs here and there to support my family, it took up most of my time. After the kids were settled in for the night, I was finally able to relax and wind down. The last thing I had time for was to get all cleaned up and looking good enough to go out and meet people. I wanted to sit in my sweatpants and oversized tee shirt and relax for a bit before going to bed. Another thing that made it more convenient for me was the fact that I didn’t have to worry about leaving my kids with a babysitter. With this routine, online dating made it so much easier to meet people and get to chat with them. Being able to do this was also less stressful and gave me the time to get to know the person a little more because all we were doing was chatting, instead of out at a movie or dinner and not really getting to talk as much. For the most part, you can get a good sense of who a person is and what they are like. With being able to get to know them through this type of interaction, it also makes it very easy to end the conversations if things aren’t what you are looking

    Read More

  • Negative Aspects of Online Dating

    1327 Words  | 3 Pages

    With technology advances steadily in today’s society, individuals steadily advance too. One of these aspects includes dating. Individuals in today’s society hope to find companionship through online dating websites so that someday some online daters might be able to find a companion. With websites like eHarmony, Match, Christian Mingle, OkCupid, Black People Meet, and JDate, finding the one seems to be easier and more convenient than ever. Most of these websites even display statistics showing that one out of five relationships start online. The questions that should be asked, is this a better and safer option than looking for the one in person? Individuals tend to ignore the possible risks involving online dating. They are willing to release personal information from pictures of oneself, to locations of where they work, or live just for the possibility of finding a companion. The online users have to ask themselves: is the risk worth it in the end, or does the benefit outweighs the cost? When searching for a companionship through online dating websites, negative aspects such as profiles, self-presentation, self-disclosure, predators and sexual mishaps, may outweigh the positive aspects and cause more problems and strife then actual good.

    Read More

  • The Pros And Cons Of Online Dating

    618 Words  | 2 Pages

    The Internet is used to look up information, to e-mail your friends, and now even to find your soul mate. Today, verified by “Reuters”, “Herald News”, “PC World”, and the “Washington Post”, 47.6 percent of women are turning to online dating (“Online Dating” 1). Why settle for someone in town, when you can meet someone online whom you may be better suited for? Busy lifestyles are also a reason why dating sites have increased in popularity. It is faster and simple to post a profile and wait for a hand full of possibilities, than to go out to bars and clubs night after night looking for the “one”. Online dating advertisements on the television have a horrendous role on influencing viewers to try their services as well. However, meeting people online can be dangerous. Many scammers and lies are often told in online profiles, such as physical appearance, age, sex, and so on. Sharing private personal information on matchmaking services and or on social networking is unsafe.

    Read More

  • Compare And Contrast Online Dating Vs Traditional Dating

    821 Words  | 2 Pages

    And because of the influence of movies and media, it pressurizes people into subconsciously thinking that their date with that special someone should be extraordinary which usually ends up being rather expensive. While the same cannot be said about online dating as it is cost efficient and allows people to expand their horizons by not limiting themselves to the same circle of people. However, people are more likely to imagine their future with someone in traditional dating based on their personality, habits, and more, while the same cannot be said about online dating. But if done right, online dating can help a person meet other people in the real world who they have much in common with. With the help of technology, they can be living on the opposite sides of the world and still get to know each other well, giving them a chance to delay commitment until they are

    Read More

  • Five Facts About Online Dating

    694 Words  | 2 Pages

    Before, online dating was not considered a good way to meet people. According to the Pew Research Center, twenty three percent of Americans still agree that people who use it are desperate. But despite this, it significantly different and is more acceptable than it was a decade ago. So, lately, more and more people find it very useful and convenient. Those whose lifestyle is not convenient enough to be able to find a partner, or who is just not accustomed to do it in real life, online dating is a solution.

    Read More

  • Research on Online Dating and Relationship

    1593 Words  | 4 Pages

    In conducting this project, we find out that although online dating is more convenient to broaden their social groups than the traditional methods, the safeness is still under a concern and it will have more negative outcomes in the society. The users should be more careful on using online dating to have safety precautions and protect their personal privacy.

    Read More

  • Online Dating

    1496 Words  | 3 Pages

    Dating really changed in the few last years and meeting people online became not uncommon or just for young people only. But everyone now can use it to find their dates and meet new people.

    Read More

  • The Many Benefits of Online Dating

    886 Words  | 2 Pages

    Online dating gives people searching for a new union an edge that they didn’t have before. They are able to “shop” for potential connections before their initial contact. According to Droge and Voirol (2011), online dating is here to stay because it allows people to more carefully choose their partner. They are able to filter through the profiles on a dating site and determine which characteristics they like or dislike about someone before they make the decision to communicate with that person. Internet users are more likely to communicate with someone who has similar interests (Hitsch, Hortacsu, & Ariely, 2010). If someone’s favorite kind of music is one that you despise most, you’ll most likely not trigger a conversation with them. You’re able to look at attributes that are important to you and filter out those persons that don’t fit into who you are potentially looking for.

    Read More

More about Hassler's 'Digital Dating: Desperation Or Necessity'

Open Document