Online Dating and Its Role in Our Society

T. V. Jackson

English 1101

March 27, 2013

Online Dating and Its Role in Our Society

Online dating sites benefits individuals (single and/or divorced) in communicating over the Internet, in order to cultivate a romantic connection with other available individuals. The initial step in utilizing online dating services entails an individual creating a user profile based on basic information like their gender, age, interests, demographic area, and personal preferences. New users also are encouraged or required to upload a current photo for their profile picture. The majority of online dating sites allow the member/user to browse or search through a database of other member profiles or review matches that have been deemed compatible by the site’s computerized matchmaking system. Ultimately, members communicate by sending messages through the dating website without, initially, revealing any personal contact information.

Online dating is increasingly becoming mainstream as an alternative for hopeful singles to find that special one. Today, more and more Americans are utilizing online dating services than ever before. Online dating once had the stigma of being a “last resort” alternative for the desperate and unlucky in love. Today, online dating has reshaped the ways in which our society seeks love and form meaningful, romantic relationships. As a result, our society has become a model in the online dating platform, and has had a major influence on other societies, globally.

Online dating is the second most common way of starting a relationship – after meeting through friends. It has become popular in part because other methods are widely thought of as grossly inefficient. The internet holds great promise for helping adults form healthy and supportive romantic partnerships, world-wide, and those relationships are one of the best predictors of emotional and physical health. (Jeffries)

Online dating sites, as well as social media sites, have provided...