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Online dating, anyone?
Almost everyone in the modern world is online every day, and when it comes to relationships, getting to know people and developing online relationships have also become a global phenomenon.
Yes, online dating has become a worldwide boom.
In the United States alone, revenue from online dating sites topped $1 billion in 2013, reaching an estimated $2.5 billion in 2017. The Pew Research Center reports that 15% of U.S adults have used an online dating site or mobile dating app themselves while another 32% say they know someone who uses them.
With the advent of social media and constant connectivity, it is clear that online dating has become an epidemic in its own right.
Recent studies show that in 2016 alone, there were over 1 billion online searches for love.
Reports are also affirming that an estimated 50 million people are actively using online dating sites, apps, and other forms of digital matchmaking services.
Online dating has become one of the most widespread and popular ways to find a partner. However, it also comes with risks that we have to take into consideration when making our choice, experts point out.
"The rise in online dating sites is becoming more prevalent in today's society," said Dr. Richard Besser, ABC News Chief Health and Medical Editor."It may not be for everyone but I think it is something people should consider if they are looking for love in their life."
While online dating continues to become more mainstream most especially during these pandemic times, researchers are starting to discover some interesting trends.
Gay men are said to comprise the most promiscuous demographic when it comes to hookup culture. Gay women, on the other hand, tend to be more selective with their partners than straight women or men of any sexuality.
Is this related to the spread of HIV and AIDs that has become a devastating reality to many families worldwide?
In the 1980s, AIDS was a mysterious disease that killed millions from around the world, with the disease seemingly having no cure as it attacked an individual's immune system and body.
Today, as one of the most feared diseases in history, HIV/AIDS still continues to affect millions worldwide, especially those who are unaware of how they became infected even during these pandemic times.
With the worldwide phenomenon in 21st-century relationships via online dating, what are the tips that are best to follow?
Safety First
Experts say that while it is a good idea to have a face-to-face meeting with your date at some point, you can do everything possible to avoid situations in which you could be physically harmed.
In the world of online dating, you don't really know who you are talking with or what their true motives might be. Common sense should tell you that when meeting someone from an online service for the first time, it would be wise to not go alone.
But if that's not possible, then just always make sure to “be on the safe side.”
Don’t Try Too Hard To Impress
Online dating is the best way to find love. But it's an art that requires some finesse, especially if you want to meet women online.
The first mistake most men make is that they try too hard to impress. That’s understandable, but it rarely works because you need to be genuine for this to work. Instead of trying too hard, just be yourself and let the chemistry grow naturally.
Don’t Rush The Process Of Finding Love Online
Before you begin online dating, make sure that you’re in a secure place in your life. If you’re lonely because your social circle has dwindled away or because you’ve recently been through a relationship or job loss, then perhaps now isn’t a good time to get serious or have an affair right away.
Experts observe that while it’s great if you could find your true love immediately after creating an account on the dating site, but real life is not like that.
You need to take things slowly and carefully because the wrong move can ruin everything for you.
Online dating can be a great resource for people who have difficulty meeting new people, but it can also lead to problems.
Do Your Research On Your Prospective Date
Online dating lets you date people who are miles away, clearly a great way to get to know the person before actually meeting them in person. Make sure you have done your homework in doing research about your date, and consider your common interests before taking the plunge of meeting in person.
There are many ways for online daters to get their profile noticed by potential dates, including messaging, browsing profiles, sending flirts, among others.
However, these methods may not always be effective, given the fact that these can be time-consuming and stressful if your inbox is flooded with messages from other users that aren’t your cup of tea.
Final Thoughts
We live in a fast-paced, always-on world. People want what they want and they want it now!
So why is online dating so popular? Because it’s instant. It’s easy to meet people and connect with them over social media. Therefore, online dating is more practical than ever before.
Online dating can be a great way to find love but it can also be exhausting and frustrating. It’s always hard to know what message will get your inbox dinged, or whether you’ll ever hear back from anyone.
Further, it also poses some risks. To keep yourself safe online, don't upload any photos of your home or car, and never agree to meet someone in person unless you did so through an approved dating site.
\Whether you are looking for friends, a date or your soul mate, online dating is the way to go.
Yet, we cannot overemphasize our warning on its dangers. Make sure you have safety as your number one priority! Stay tuned to my blogs to know more about new ways in online dating as well as in digital marketing in the 21st century.
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