Why You Should Choose Online Versus Offline Dating
By Jeff Cohen, freelance writer (cohenwriting@aol.com)
Until recently, the majority of people met their boyfriends and girlfriends through traditional means. Back in 1995, the most popular ways to meet someone included blind dates, setups, meeting through friends and colleagues, and of course bar and club hopping. By 2000, online dating was on the scene and growing rapidly. Still, many people lacked internet access and therefore were unable to take advantage of the technology. Today, online dating is a $300 million industry in the US alone and rapidly expanding worldwide.
Despite the explosive growth of online dating you may be wondering why you should give up your more traditional approach to dating in favor of the Internet. While the best strategy is to incorporate both online and offline strategies, here are some distinct advantages online dating has over the offline approach.
Save Time
If you wanted to meet ten people in a traditional manner it would mean ten real life dates. That’s ten coffee breaks, nights, or weekends devoted to meeting someone new. Odds are you’ll know right away that five or more of the dates have zero potential for a second date. In the online world, you could see pictures of all ten prospects, read their profiles, and even communicate before you ever agree to a date. You’ll weed out the prospects without potential and hone in on the best available people to meet.
Specialize Your Search
Let’s say you’re interested in a particular religion, race, ethnicity, or even political affiliation. It can be hard to specify these criteria with friends and family trying to set you up. But in the online world, you can choose the criteria you want and even choose a site that specializes in people that meet exactly what you seek in a mate. There are sites devoted to religions, politics, divorcees, pet lovers, and even vegetarians. Right away, you’ll know you’ve overcome any deal breakers before you sip your first drink together.
Expand Your Reach
Thanks to the global nature of the Internet you can easily meet someone in another city, another state, or even another country. Before you buy that plane ticket to meet in person you can email regularly and talk on the phone to be sure you have a real connection. This global reach is next to impossible in an offline environment.
Date at Your Convenience
The Internet is open 24 hours a day, seven days per week. If you feel tired on a Friday night and just want to curl up with a book, you can do it. The online dating site will be ready for you on Saturday morning to begin your search. In the offline dating world, you have to be more ready for dating at the traditional times people typically meet.
Save Money
You may think it’s not worth your while to spend approximately $200 for an annual online dating subscription. However, if you compared that fee to what you pay for a night of drinks or dinner, you’d quickly realize just how inexpensive an online membership really can be.
Like we said at the beginning, you don’t have to view online dating as a replacement for offline approaches to meeting someone. Instead, supplement your offline approach with an online dating strategy and you’ll greatly improve your chances of finding that special someone.
Jeff Cohen is the author of the e-book, 30 Minute Guide to Online Dating. It's a must-read for anyone looking to master the art of online dating without wasting hours of valuable time. To learn more about the e-book and purchase a copy, please visit Online Dating eBook.
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