Online dating is faster, easier, and more convenient than going out and taking the time out of a busy schedule to meet new people. With websites like EHarmony, Match, and Christian Mingle single people are presented with an opportunity that is more accessible at any moment. Talking through an online dating service may be more comfortable than a first time face-to-face confrontation, but is it really a good idea? According to the PIP study on online dating, 10% of Americans have tried online dating. Of that 10%, 23% have met a spouse or long-term partner. While online dating has been a positive experience for this growing number of people, caution is necessary.
The reality show "Catfish" on MTV is a perfect example of how unreliable online dating can be. In the show, Nev Schulman and Max Joseph help people who have been online dating determine if their significant other is being truthful.
Speed dating announcement in Paris
English: Picture taken by Gary Robinson of Gary Ro...
An example of one of True's online ads.Unfortunately, most of the time the person gets "catfished", and the relationships do not end up working out. A catfish is someone who pretends to be someone they're not using Facebook or another social media to create a false identity. This concept is concerning because anyone could be sitting at a computer or phone pretending to be someone they're not.
In addition to unreliability, online dating can be exceedingly unsafe. An acquaintance of mine met a guy online and after talking for a few months they decided to meet in public. She was catfished because he ended up being much older than he had originally said. In broad daylight, he forced her into his car and took her to his house where he proceeded to threaten her. Luckily she got out of the situation, but it could have ended much worse.
Furthermore, another concern with...