Online dating arrived shortly after the advent of the internet. Is this a better approach that waiting to meet someone without the use of a computer or other electronic gadgets? What are the pros and cons of online dating? Ideally you post your bio, attract a bunch of interested people, pick and choose and end up with the love of your life. Alternatively you fall for someone whom you never see and get taken in an identity theft scheme and lose thousands of dollars. Here are a few more thoughts about the pros and cons of online dating.

Love at First Sight

You might find yourself smitten by someone whom you meet online. Does the online dating form of love at first sight last? We wrote about this years ago and offered a case of love at first sight working out very well.

On this web site we usually try to take an objective approach to dating, internet dating, and the development of relationships. But, sometimes the truth is more in what we feel than in a logical and reasoned view of life.
A few years ago I flew from the USA to Panama to visit an old friend. After a few days in the warmth and sunshine of Panama City I decided that I would return to live here, eventually. My friend suggested that I check out the city, walk around a bit, learn to use the bus system, and learn how to flag down a taxi during rush hour. It was during one of my forays about the city that I sought shelter from a torrential downpour under the roof of a restaurant. A pretty waitress came to my table. “Que quiere, mi amor,” she greeted me. (I knew enough Spanish to know that what she meant was, what would I like, without much emphasis on the “mi amor.” But I was already lost.

The bottom line to this story is that we have been happily married for 9 years. This can work via the internet as well. The advantage of an internet dating site is that you can meet a lot more people and not have to wait until a tropical downpour forces you into a restaurant where maybe the love of your life awaits. Online dating is like speed dating on steroids.

The Downside Potential

Do you really want every jerk with the same dating app to know where you and keep badgering you? That can be the problem with online dating apps.

If you take the traditional approach or use one of the new dating apps that cut to the chase make sure to meet in a public place and know what you are going to do if the situation becomes uncomfortable so that you can leave promptly or what you are going to do if this is the person of your dreams and you want to stay all night!

Remember that in online dating as in all aspects of life common sense is your best friend.