The modern world presents us with opportunities that people could not even think of before. Technological progress has introduced a large number of changes to our everyday lives: from the way we communicate with each other, to how we do our jobs and spend free time. Dating as part of our social life was influenced by technologies too. Online dating has transformed long-distance relationships, making them feel most more like real-world experience. Even though sending pictures to each other and having video calls seems not enough for intimate communication, it did work in the case of my husband and I. After we met in Lagos, Nigeria in 2008, we had to continue our relationships distantly since he lived in the US at that moment. For us, online dating turned out to be the perfect solution, which gave us the necessary level of emotional connection. Eventually, after two years of distant relationship we finally got married. There are still many differences that set these two types of human interaction apart. This essay will compare and contrast online dating and real-world relations, highlighting the similarities and differences between the two approaches for individuals to connect with each other.
As it was mentioned earlier, there are a large variety of things that make online and real-world dating alike. It is still possible to apply some of the major psychological principles of dating, regardless of the type of relations. Both people involved take part in exploring each other and learning their partners’ needs, habits, and characters. They can also practice mutuality and decide on the things that are good for each other (Tatkin et al. 11). In both cases, individuals talk to each other, share stories of their lives, and learn new things. Online and real-life dating need to have the attachment and chemistry between two people as the vital components for the relationship to work. Both types of connections can also have challenges that partners need to overcome as a part of the learning experience and adjusting to each other. Another thing is that individuals who date online may eventually end up meeting in real life, which is quite often the very goal they try to achieve. Online dating is similar to real-life relations in that it can still lead to a face-to-face connection, ultimately making experiences the same. It is also possible for both types of dating to have a scenario where people from different parts of the world meet and end up together as a married couple. Whether it is online or real-life communication, if individuals really love each other, and have a strong connection and mutual understanding, nothing can stay in the way of their feelings.
There is a fair share of differences between online dating and real-life relations. One of the major things that set them apart is that with online dating, a person can be introduced to people they would never be able to meet otherwise. Experiences may vary, as there can be couples who met in real life but due to the circumstances have to stay in a long-distance relationship. Nevertheless, the key takeaway is that online dating opens up more opportunities to meet new people. While, in theory, this can be perceived as a good thing; in reality, a wide variety of opportunities can also be exhausting. With the introduction of dating websites and services, the very process of meeting other people has changed. There are now systems and matching algorithms that can pick a partner based on one’s preferences. This removes the human factor, where people would try to approach each other in real life based on the initial attraction (Tatkin et al. 17). There is also a lack of trust, as no one can be absolutely sure of what the person they are talking to is really like. So, online dating requires a great deal of caution and potential safety measures to be a positive experience. Another big difference is the lack of physical contact and face-to-face communication. Individuals who date online are limited to only texting and calling each other. They cannot go out on a date, see a movie together, or get involved in other real-life activities. It is possible for each partner to change their location and pretend they are having dinner together. However, this will not change the fact that they still have to call or write messages. Even though more and more technical innovations are introduced to make online dating more lifelike, they still feel like workarounds rather than real solutions.
In conclusion, it is safe to say that online dating and real-world relations have a great deal in common. Both ways of connecting with each other allow people to learn about their partners and establish an emotional bond. Speaking of differences, online dating is lacking face-to-face communication, which is an important aspect of building a strong relationship. From my personal experience, I can confirm that individuals can frequently utilize online dating as a way of staying connected when they have to be apart for some time. Whichever way of dating it is, the ultimate goal is to meet the right person and establish a bond that would make both partners happy.
Work Cited
Tatkin, Stan, et al. Wired for Dating: How Understanding Neurobiology and Attachment Style Can Help You Find Your Ideal Mate. New Harbinger Publications, 2016.