My view
Research shows that online dating is on the rise. A Pew Research Center study conducted in October 2019 found that 30 percent of Americans have used online dating, compared to just 11 percent in 2013 (Pew Research Center, 2020). Of those, 12 percent have gotten married or been in a committed relationship with someone they met through online dating—a notable increase from just 3 percent in 2013. According to a study, 60% of people who use online dating sites have positive experiences with them. Many of them are looking for long-term partners or simply looking for a casual relationship. A study conducted by the University of Michigan revealed that many young women are worried about the negative effects of online dating. The research found that almost half of them say they would keep getting unsolicited sexually explicit pictures or messages.
I can confirm that many of my friends have the same experience. Receiving inappropriate photos and messages, having a cringe or weird situations, feeling danger, being deceived, under pressure and more. It's hard to believe that people are actually together for the long haul.
In reality, most of the men on the sites are just looking for the sexual intercourse. In most cases, they assume that if a woman has a profile on the site, she is actively looking to sleep with another relative stranger. In reality, most of the men on the sites are just looking for sex.
Before creating a profile, think about what you want to achieve in a relationship. This will help you avoid making the mistake of starting a match with someone who doesn't know what you're looking for. Spend some time and effort figuring out who you really are and what you truly want in a relationship, as well as imagining who your perfect mate might be. Consider what your ideal partner is looking for in a partner and how you can authentically connect with them. And where can you possibly reach the person face to face for the first time and avoid all of the risks that accompany online dating.
The possible danger can be also reduced by educating people from youth about the possible consequences. As we all know, for today's generation, social media is a big part of their social lives. Risks including exposure to inappropriate content, sexual harassment, bullying, and data breaches. Written guidelines can assist in reaping the benefits of social media while utilising it properly, respectfully, and safely.
It’s important to know that it’s completely unacceptable to cultivate relationships with strangers online — and even more dangerous is hiding an online connection from their parents. The parents should not make strict restrictions and prohibitions, but warn about the possible predators that could be behind their screen. Because, as it's said, forbidden fruit is the sweetest.
References:
Vogels, E. A. (2020, February 6). 10 facts about Americans and online dating. Pew Research Center. https://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2020/02/06/10-facts-about-americans-and-online-dating/
ReplyDeleteHi Tereza, I think that you made a great point there, where you have mentioned that before creating a profile on a dating app, or I would say before any date, or relationship, we should think about what we want and what do we expect from the potential partner. Dating through an app may be fun, but you never know what can happen or if the person you are talking to is the one who you imagine him to be.
Hey!
ReplyDeleteYour blog does a great job looking at online dating and the modern-day risks associated. I think a lot of people glaze over how risky online dating is, as well as the long-term effects it has on self-esteem and relationships.
Dear Tereza,
ReplyDeleteIt was very interesting to read your blog especially from a male perspective, as these risks might not be as apparent to us as they are to women. I think you did a good job explaining them and the usage of statistics shows that you've really done your research and that you know what you're talking about.
Dear Tereza,
ReplyDeleteyou have chosen a good topic. I think online dating is very risky and there have been several cases where people pretending to be someone else on dating platforms. I must say that some information, such as the Grace Millan case, completely shocked me. I myself do not use these platforms for dating, but a lot of my friends and acquaintances do, and I will certainly spread the information she mentioned in the blog among them. It is absolutely great to use the Czech documentary film "V SÍTI", I can't think of a better example of how to present this problem. I saw this movie myself and I have to say it was crazy. What is happening on the internet is terrible and it is time to do something about it.
Hi, Teresa! This is a quite tough topic you're discussing. But as for me, as a person,who faced such kind of negative experience is one of the most things that must be talked and taught in public needs. I agree that parents should know and notify their children about possible risks of online dating! Brilliant blog and concise information!
ReplyDeleteDear Tereza,
ReplyDeleteas someone who used dating sites before, I appreciate that you chose this topic and that you mentioned about dangers people can encounter while using them. Especially, mentioning children using dating sites and the consequences it might have. Interesting blog, I really enjoyed reading it!
Dear Tereza
ReplyDeleteHi! I found so many interesting parts while I was reading your blog. I think you chose a great topic ,the dating app, in which people can recognize how badly this can affect them with using this application that is leading to privacy problem and to tell people about meeting strangers from unknown is smooch buying risk.
Dear Teresa,
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed reading your blog. Online dating can be really dangerous if you don't follow the safety rules. Thank you for telling us about dangers that people may encounter and ways to protect ourselves.
Best regards, Tomiris