When online dating and social networking websites are statistically grouped together, there is no question they comprise the largest segment of the Internet. The advent of the Internet, and it’s ongoing evolution, continues to give all of us the ability to reach out to each other in a variety of ways. We are social “animals” by nature, with the need to feel “connected” to others being one of our most powerful instincts.When businesses were looking for ideas to capitalize on the Internet, online dating websites were one of the first things they created and developed. They understood that basic human need for companionship and adapted the concept from the “personal ads” seen in your local newspaper. The websites they created are designed to take advantage of those incredibly powerful emotions. To say they have been successful is putting it mildly.
What does this mean to you as a user/subscriber/member of an online dating site? When you take your first step into the Internet dating world, the websites can make it appear that finding your “special someone” is just a few simple “clicks” away. In your mind, you may imagine seeing rainbows, hear harp music, or even experience both of these sensations at the same time. A site’s appearance, advertising, and marketing make it all look so easy. Of course, this is by design. Perhaps for a lucky few, it has been that way. But for the rest of us, it may be a more difficult process.
Each website would like you to believe they have developed or even invented some magic formula for finding that person of your dreams. One of the largest, most well-known dating websites claims they have created a scientific method that matches you with someone based entirely on compatibility and their questionnaire may require as much as 2 hours for you to complete. Of course, compatibility is essential for a happy and healthy relationship, so there is indeed some merit to this concept. But how we are initially attracted to someone is entirely different.
Dating websites present the image of having a sincere and abiding interest in helping you find your special “one”. Their “business model” is quite simple and it’s all about numbers. The more registered users/subscribers/members a dating website can show, along with the number of “hits” it receives daily, determines their user fees (for pay sites) and/or ad placement revenues for their site. Dating websites know they have a “captive audience” because of the basic human need we have for companionship. If you are already a user of a dating website can you resist the urge to check the site every day to see who has contacted you, viewed your profile, or look at the potential matches the site has generated specifically for you?
You should not let any of this discourage or deter you in your journey to find that special someone. Ultimately, millions of people who utilize dating sites are successful. The information I’ve provided is meant to help you see the dating sites for what they really are and have reasonable expectations for what they do. Dating websites are a type of “clearinghouse” (def: a central ”entity” for collecting and distributing information). They are a secure place for you to exchange a limited amount of personal information and share pictures with others who have the common goal of finding a companion. How you present yourself along with your time, effort, and patience will be what determines your success.
Keep these things in mind for a better understanding of the process:
1 – Dating sites are the digital world’s version of your newspaper’s “personal ads”. They have taken a “tried and true” format and adapted it for use on the Internet. The various “bells and whistles” each site has, and claims are unique, are designed to encourage you to visit the site (hits) as frequently as possible. The amount of time you spend viewing the site is also valuable data.
2 – Keep expectations of what you think the sites should do in check. They perform a valuable function. They continually explore ways to make the process smoother and the experience more pleasant. But their interest in your success is limited, contrary to any of the advertising and/or marketing you see.
3 – Most importantly, don’t be disillusioned or discouraged. There’s no question success is possible and you can absolutely meet the person you have always dreamed of by using Internet dating sites. It may simply take some time and effort, as well as perseverance for you to be successful. Due to the nature of dating sites and their purpose they will always have a captive audience, but as a ”customer” you need only to be concerned with the success of one person: Yourself!
"I look forward to reading and responding to all of your remarks, comments, and questions. I truly enjoy helping people and hope you will share your experiences. Meeting someone new and dating should be an exhilarating, enjoyable, pleasant experience and a lot of fun!"
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