Dating as a young adult can often be complicated, frustrating and uncomfortable. Then add the internet into it, and it can amplify all those feelings. Dating used to require face-to-face interaction, but now there are a number of apps that can get anyone a date or anything else someone might want.
People are on dating apps for so many possible reasons: seeking casual dates, romantic relationships, hookups, friendships and some people are even just looking for someone to text once in a while. Wading through all those possibilities and distinguishing who’s there for what can be a challenge in itself.
As someone who tried online dating for several months before finding my own relationship offline, I know the pros and the many cons of dating apps firsthand. When I actually talked to a guy long enough to go on a date, going on the actual date was always nerve wracking for me, my biggest concern being safety.
Every person, particularly women, can make their own choices of what they feel comfortable with as far as safety precautions, but there are a few key things all people should consider. For one, always meet in a public place for the first encounter, even if the meeting is only intended as a hookup. It’s always good to get a feel for the other person before agreeing to go anywhere private with them.
Also, always tell someone trustworthy who the meeting is with, whether it be a family member, roommate or friend. Tell them the meeting time and place, the person’s name and even the picture from their online profile. No one should ever leave their meal or drink unattended, even for just a few minutes, to prevent any possible tampering with it.
Constantly swiping left or right on apps like Tinder and Bumble can strain a person’s mental health and self-esteem. It’s important not to get too immersed in the online dating world because matches and people are often fleeting or inconsistent, and putting too much emphasis on either can lead to disappointment in others and the self.
Online dating can be a positive thing though. The internet allows people to connect with others they may not have otherwise had the opportunity to talk to. Using online dating apps can be a fun way to meet new people for anything, serious or otherwise.
