So many singles are choosing to sign up to a dating platform these days because it is such a convenient way of interacting with potential partners. With a wide array of websites to choose from, catering to diverse areas of interest, the relaxing atmosphere of these sites presents so many exciting opportunities. Surely having such ready access to the details of other site users, and the ability to develop chemistry in a secure environment, is a recipe for positive mental health? It can be, but nothing in life is ever that simple. Online dating can also have a negative effect. Here are the pros and cons.
Many dating sites feel more like a supportive community
There might have been a time when dating outlets were simply about providing a pool of singles for other singles to browse through before making their choice of partner. These platforms have evolved into online communities. People can introduce themselves in chat rooms, where site users can interact and share information. There are often blogs, providing advice on a host of topics relating to relationships.
Online dating is excellent for anyone marginalized
For many singles, the prospect of visiting traditional dating outlets like singles bars or busy nightclubs, or being introduced to someone ‘interesting’ by mutual friends, can be traumatic. Especially if they’ve had less than favorable experiences in the past, or think of themselves as being a little shy or awkward in company. Going online presents the opportunity to communicate with compatible individuals in a safe and comfortable environment, avoiding much of the stress they associate with offline situations.
Anticipating a positive experience boosts mental wellbeing
Anyone choosing to register with an online dating resource will be doing so because they have clear goals about the type of partnership they are hoping to achieve. They might be focusing on naughty hookup, or they could have their sights on meeting a potential soulmate. This approach will be driven by a sense of optimism. The more they interact with other singles, the greater their confidence will grow. This will be extremely beneficial for their sense of hope and purpose.
For some site users, self-esteem will be impacted
There are downsides to using dating sites. The nature of online dating is that people are instinctively drawn to presenting the optimum image of themselves. There might be a tendency to brag about or exaggerate achievements in their biographies. Profile photographs might even be doctored by Photoshop. This creates an atmosphere where people are pressurized to conform to this unnatural sense of perfection, leading to feelings of inadequacy.
Lack of success in dating will lower morale
The longer people are using dating sites without achieving the ultimate goal of finding a partner, the greater the sense of demoralization. Individuals might begin dwelling on what they might perceive as the reasons for this failure, fixating on the apparent shortcomings in their profile. Feeling rejected, especially when surrounded by so many people who seem to be having the opposite experience, can be demeaning.
Confidence will be affected by negative interaction
The most detrimental of all dating mishaps are falling victim to fakes. There are certain unscrupulous characters who invent false personas. Their ulterior motives vary. It could be they’ve had an unfortunate experience themselves and are unwilling to commit to the spirit of Internet dating. They might have outright criminal tendencies and wish to worm their way into someone’s affections as a prelude to conning them into revealing bank passwords. These people represent a tiny minority, but they can have the greatest impact on the mental health of genuine site users.