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Today people do everything online. They bank online, they watch TV online, they view their news online, socialize online, talk to their kids and grandkids online, and yes, they date online. The internet has opened so many social opportunities for those who before might not have been able to meet the right person through traditional means like church, work, and friends.
What you might not know is that computer dating started a lot sooner. In fact, in 1957 Dr. George W. Crane created The Scientific Marriage Foundation in which they used a program to match likely partners together, using forms that were then sorted using an IBM card sorting machine to make matches. Read more about it here.
As to whether online dating is worth it or not, the eye is truly with the beholder. For many, it’s a fun outlet to help them find dates and for others, it’s a full-time job to find a spouse. For even others it's a way to scam people. In many ways, nothing has changed about the dating scene other than the methods used to find dates. If you think about it, these same things existed long before the internet made online dating so popular.
Why Is It So Popular?
Even though online dating has often had a bad reputation and something many people laugh at, the popularity of online dating continues to surge. And as it grows, the stigma associated with it is vanishing. Most young people see it as better than meeting people at bars, and now the older generation is taking notice and signing up. There are many reasons for this increase.
It’s Big Business
In the U.S., according to Kapitall Wire, online dating is a two-billion-dollar industry and growing. Today, 15 percent of adults use dating sites, and it’s growing as the stigma fades and they see their friends getting results. Due to the amount of money involved, there is a huge amount of marketing happening, which accounts for most of the surge in popularity.
It’s Fun
The fact is, for a lot of busy social people, online dating is fun. Using apps to find potential dates is easier than going out to bars and hoping for luck to strike. For some, using dating apps means the potential for meeting compatible dates goes up and they no longer have to go out alone to find dates and meet people.
You Can Meet People Outside Your Circle
Most people work long hours today. The productivity rate in the US has exploded which means that most people just don’t have much time for socializing or meeting people easily outside of work. Using a dating app enables them to meet people outside of their circle faster.
It Helps Introverts Meet People
Some people have social anxiety or are introverts and want to meet other people just like them. They want to meet those who are compatible with the lifestyle they want to live. Meeting people at networking events, at work, or in social situations can be too stressful for them. But, setting up an online dating profile, then going on dates with specific types of people, makes it a lot easier for introverts because they are likely going to be able to meet the right type of person.
You Can Research People before Meeting
Depending on which apps you use, you can typically research people before you ever meet them, thus theoretically increasing your chances of meeting the right type of person. A lot of people think online dating is unsafe, but it’s no more unsafe than meeting people in bars or even the grocery store and then going on a date with them. Doing the research can help alleviate fears and avoid time wasters.
It’s Convenient
After a long day of work, looking for dates on an app is a lot more convenient than having to get dressed up to go out to a nightclub or planned singles events. Plus, if you do it right, are honest, know who you are and what you want, it’s going to be a lot more convenient and efficient than typical and traditional dating.
People Do Get Married
According to Kapitall Wire, around 5 percent of married or long-term partners say they met online. About 12 percent meet in bars. It is thought that the number of people who meet life partners online will increase as the technology improves.
Millennials are the most likely to use online dating apps. They grew up with the technology and aren’t afraid of it. Time is going to show that more millennials will meet life partners online than any other method, and they’re leading the way for the older generations too by teaching them how to do it.