OkCupid, Tinder, Coffee Meets Bagel, and a whole lot of dating apps and sites are already being used in Singapore. The question is simple, are they really reliable?
1. Quick and convenient
One of the best things about online dating is that it is quick and easy. You can easily disregard people you don’t match with without, for example, having to spend any time or money on a coffee date. You can save some time and maybe save yourself from the embarrassing moment of getting turned down on the first date.
Con: No second chances
The other person might already be doing a hobby that you want to try out, or you just observe certain things about him/her that is mysteriously appealing in person. You can only really see this if you see each other face-to-face.
2. Plenty of choices
‘There’s plenty of fish in the sea’ it is! Dating online means you get exposed to a diverse set of people who may share the same interests with you. You’ll never run out of choices because dating online means you’re not only limited to the people of your place, but also in other places, cities, even other countries.
Con: A little too many choices
It can be a hassle to sift through people who don’t interest you only to find “the one/s” an hour later. Also, there are others who incidentally use multiple dating sites and apps at once for whatever reason – this definitely adds to the stress.
3. It is fun
Somehow, you could say that online dating is meant to be a fun approach to romance. You get to learn about a person’s culture, language, likes and dislikes, all by simply talking to them online. When it comes to dating apps, for some reason, people have a lot of fun swiping left or right (left: not interested & right: interested, although this can change depending on the app).
Con: You might get disappointed
It may be fun before you meet each other in person, but once that happens, prepare for the worst (well not always if you’re lucky). You might get disappointed because the other person isn’t the same as he/she is online. For instance, a guy or girl might be talkative and funny on chat, but plainly the opposite in person.
4. Compatibility
Some dating sites and apps start with a personality test when you sign up. You put down your hobbies, likes and dislikes, and all that information. This is then what the site uses to match you with others whom you might be interested in. Plus, some people also put descriptions on their profile, which can tell more about themselves making it easier for others to see if they can be suitable partners.
Con: People lie
It’s very easy to fool others on the internet. There are people who use fake pictures, lie about their physical appearance, maybe even pull scams. This is why it’s not entirely reliable and safe when meeting someone online.