Online dating may seem dodgy, but reports suggest that people who meet online are happier in their relationships. Experts talk about the pros and cons of online dating.
Experts tell us why online dating can lead to longer and happier relationships, as well as its drawbacks
The holiday season and the year 2016 is behind us. According to reports, the beginning of the New Year sees a jump in the number of people looking for love online. In fact, a report said that a study conducted by the University of Chicago, USA, had concluded that people who found their matches online were more satisfied with their relationships than those who met their partners offline. The report also said that people who met their partners online were less likely to break-up than those who had met offline.
HIGH SUCCESS RATE
So, could this be the reason why more and more people are frequenting online dating sites or apps to look for love? We wouldn’t know for sure but a report even quoted representatives of several dating websites who said they are expecting a rise in traffic from people looking for love in the New Year.
“Online dating introduces people to potential partners who they wouldn’t have encountered otherwise. You can talk to many people in a short span of time before finally finding your right match. Once you have zeroed in on to your option, it takes weeks or months of chatting before your relationship matures and goes to the next level. So, you have enough time to understand a person and decide whether he or she is right for you. This is probably why people who meet online are happier than those who meet offline,” says Riddhish K Maru, psychiatrist, sexologist and counsellor in Mulund (W) and Thane (W). “On dating sites, one may get a rough idea of a person’s personal, social and economic background. Some studies have shown that people who date online are more mature, well-educated and earn well too. These factors may also contribute to a relationship’s success.”
LASTS LONGER
According to the study, ‘online relationships last longer.’ So, what could be the possible reasons behind it? Clinical psychologist Tanushree Bhargava says, “Online relationships take time to mature. Here, the first impression usually is the profile. You develop the bond without even meeting the person. However, in an offline relationship, the first impression is either the physical appearance or the way the person talks to you. When a person meets someone online, he or she gets more time to think about the reasons they are getting attracted to each other. These people can judge better if they are in love or just infatuated with the person they are interacting with. This might be difficult when you are always with a person in an offline relationship. Also, when you look for a partner online, you get an opportunity to meet like-minded people from diverse cultures, society, etc.”
RISK INVOLVED
However, online relationships have their drawbacks as well. Being fake is one of them. Maru says, “There’s also a risk of being cheated online. At times, the prospect you see online may look different in person. So, one needs to be careful about who you interact with. Know an individual thoroughly before meeting him or her.”
When you look for a partner online, you get an opportunity to meet like-minded people from diverse cultures. TANUSHREE BHARGAVA, CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGIST