The 21st century has brought a whole new life to the world of dating. Traditionally, when a person wanted to date, she would have to actually meet a person and set up a date from there. That manner did not leave a lot of options open. Sometimes friends would set people up for blind dates in an attempt to play matchmaker. In the past, it is unlikely that anyone ever fathomed that people would be able to meet numerous matches in a small amount of time, and eliminate unlikely candidates right from the comfort of their own homes.
First Impressions
Video of the Day
First impressions mean everything, but when comparing traditional dating to online dating, first impressions are two different things. Traditional dating relies on finding a person that is attractive to the eye first. With online dating, first impressions are shaped by other factors, such as age, career and hobbies because there is no face-to-face contact initially.
Video of the Day
Location
Traditional dating almost always puts two people together that are from the same general location. These people may have met in school, on the job, at a party, through an acquaintance or in a restaurant. Online dating does not always allow that luxury because websites reach people on a global level. It is possible when people are looking for dates online that they can search in specific areas to locate people within a defined radius from their residences.
Time Frame
Traditional dating can take quite a bit of time. It is common for a person to put a few hours into a date that will never pan out to be anything more than one date. Online dating can help a person narrow down many characteristics much quicker than could ever be done in a traditional manner. Most people have certain standards for a second or third date with the same person that can be ascertained in online profiles. The computer makes this process much simpler.
Getting Acquainted
Getting acquainted on a traditional date can often be difficult. The environment plays a role and there are usually certain apprehensions on a first date. In an online environment, people have an opportunity to sit back and chat first with no interruptions and no inhibitions. This allows people to get to know more about a person's interests, religion, and personality before meeting in person on a date.
Deception
Deception can be a problem in the online dating scene. It is easy for a person to quickly send a picture, but it does not necessarily mean the picture is current or does anything to capture his true looks. Some people might also fabricate stories about themselves that might have been more obvious in a traditional face-to-face initial meeting.