Is Online Dating Superficial?
Yes, it is true; online dating is sometimes superficial. Too often, there are daters on the online dating apps who have less-than-ideal intentions or make it very obvious that they’re interested in playing the field. This is why online dating has gained the reputation for being similar to online shopping; users are simply browsing the available options for something that catches their eye, only to return it flippantly when it turns out to be a mismatch. While there may be some online daters that utilize this practice, the vast majority prove that this theory is rather untrue and can be grouped among the other stigmas that accompany online dating services. Whether you’re new to online dating or a seasoned veteran, there are certain ways you can get an authentic dating experience and avoid superficial online dating.
How to Avoid Superficial Online Dating
Be Upfront About Your Intentions
The simple fact is that some people use online dating services for casual flings and others use it to find a potentially serious relationship. To avoid an interaction with someone whose values or intentions don’t match your own, it’s best to point out exactly what you’re looking for early on. To help make your intentions known, most online dating services actually give their users the option to specify the type of relationship they’re seeking. As an online dater, this is your chance, to be honest about what you’d like to get out of online dating so that you don’t have a run-in with someone whose motives will ultimately disappoint you. While it may be a little awkward for some, it’s also a good idea to be sure you communicate your dating goals when you first message or receive a message from any potential match.
Show Off What You’ve Got
Perhaps one of the most effective ways to get what you want out of online dating is to figure out how to portray yourself in the most authentic and accurate possible light. It’s not an easy thing to do, attempting to create an in-depth representation of who you are with a couple of sentences and a few photos. However, the closer you can get to capture your true essence to share with other online daters, the better your chances are of finding a significant connection. Not sure how to make yourself stand out? Read our guide to online dating profiles to get the details.
Keep the Golden Rule in Mind
We’ve all heard it — treat others as you’d like to be treated. This rule is applicable in most situations, including online dating. To get the most out of your online dating experience, it’s important that you interact with others in such a way that you would be pleased with as a recipient. There is an element of superficiality to dating, whether it’s in an online arena or not, and the best way to combat that is to be as genuine as possible in hopes that the sentiment will be returned.
When the time comes to interact with one of your matches online, be sure to address them politely and to ask sincere, thoughtful questions in order to get to know them in a respectful way. The best way to ensure that you’re putting yourself in a position to meet someone of quality is to act according to how you’d like to be treated.
Yes, it is true; online dating is sometimes superficial. Too often, there are daters on the online dating apps who have less-than-ideal intentions or make it very obvious that they’re interested in playing the field. This is why online dating has gained the reputation for being similar to online shopping; users are simply browsing the available…