For or Against… Internet Dating?

The online dating system (Online Dating) is an online system that allows any person, couple, or group to get in touch with each other and communicate in the virtual space, usually to initiate a love or sexual relationship.

Internet knowledge services usually offer the possibility of establishing relationships without guaranteed or concrete chances of success, through personal computers and mobile phones.

 Online dating services require certain information from the user, to find people considered compatible in terms of age, sex, interests, location, etc.

Most sites allow members to upload personal photos and browse photos of other users. Sites like this may offer additional services, some for a fee, such as video chats, phone calls, and chat.

Some sites offer free registration but may offer services that require a monthly fee.

Most sites allow access to a large number of people from various social and cultural backgrounds, people looking for different types of relationships.

Other sites can be specific, based on a certain type of members, interests, locations, or types of relationships desired so that each member is easier to socialize, to find common ground with others.

DNA tests?

Some genetic testing companies, along with several profile sites, promise to find the right people to form a couple, using DNA testing, claiming the benefits of biological compatibility.

These companies claim that greater biological compatibility will automatically mean a better sex life, a lesser desire to cheat, a more lasting love relationship, and probably even healthier children.

Experts in the field, however, are of a different opinion. Dr. Rocio Moran, the medical director of the General Genetics Clinic in Cleveland, called the idea "ridiculous" and said that the art and science of attraction are too complex to depend on just a few genes.

Virtual identity

A virtual identity is a social identity that an Internet user creates to be part of online communities and various sites.

Although some people prefer to use their real names on the Internet, other users choose to remain anonymous, identifying themselves by pseudonyms, which sometimes reveal certain details about their real data.

In certain virtual contexts, such as forums, instant messaging, and online multiplayer games, users can choose to be virtually represented by an avatar, which is a smaller image.

As users interact, each user builds a reputation that allows them to become trusted or not, trusting others. Some sites also use the user's IP address to find them on the Internet, if they do not behave properly or violate any of the site's rules.

The concept of virtual identity and how it is influenced by constantly evolving technology is the subject of much research in psychology and sociology.

The online disinhibition effect is a conclusive example, which refers to the uninhibited behavior on the Internet, due to the anonymity and the fact that users do not interact directly, in real-time.

 The identities that people choose in the virtual social network are not necessarily reliable. For example, studies in the field have shown that most people lie when it comes to online knowledge services.

In addition, behind an attractive avatar and exemplary behavior can hide dubious people with dangerous interests. So, it would be more than advisable to pay close attention to the people you choose to reveal personal information and details to.

The benefits of virtual communities

A positive aspect often discussed in virtual communities is that it allows everyone to present themselves and be exposed without fear of being punished or fined, whether it is their character traits, behaviors they are interested in, or announcing real details that were not known until then.

This freedom of expression offers new opportunities to the whole society, especially the ability of people to explore roles and situations of a sentimental and sexual nature that can be interesting and useful, once you take a risk.

The online identity has allowed everyone to feel good both in their skin and by changing various roles, some of these roles being able to highlight aspects of the user's life that he is unable to develop in real life, every day.

What do the statistics say?

According to a study conducted by The Sunday Telegraph, people approaching or retiring are considered the most active and experienced all those who hope to find a partner on the Internet.

The study found that 62% of men and women over the age of 55 registered in 2009 on a profile site, compared to 21% for those aged 18 to 24.

Also, people in this group (55 years old) met with more people known on the Internet (an average of 8.2) and established even more relationships (on average 2.1) than people in other groups. age.

 In 2006, 6% of Europeans used online dating sites, compared to 4% in 2005, so that the revenues of these European sites reached the amount of 243 million euros.

2009 - The number of Internet users exceeded $ 1 billion, and the online dating industry made a profit of about $ 1.5 billion last year. Specialists estimate that this amount will increase by 10% each year.

The past year has also brought less pleasant situations in the virtual space for dating. 58% of Europe's residents have been cheated in online dating. The Italians are in the lead with 72%, the Germans in the second place with 58%, then the French and the British with 55%, and the Dutch with 48%.

Also in 2009, in the case of single people who used a dating site, 33% formed a couple, 33% failed to initiate a relationship and 33% gave updating on the Internet. At the same time, 92% of single mothers or fathers preferred to get to know other single fathers or mothers.