For college students, no need for online dating
The Traveler Editorial Board
Issue date: 3/2/09 Section: Opinion
Online dating: the term and concept have become so commonplace that commercials for Web sites like Match.com don't warrant a second glance.
And beyond simply being familiar, these Web sites appear to be working - according to Onlinedatingmagazine.com, they caused more than 120,000 marriages in 2007.
With popular methods of communication (think Facebook, Twitter, MySpace, etc.) moving away from face-to-face interaction and more toward technology every single day, it's not surprising that singles across the country are opting to pay a little cash for a less stressful, more immediate kind of dating.
And that's understandable. The services these sites provide are not just handy - they're successful. And for the 30-something professional who just hasn't found "the one," they might seem essential.
But, as a Lifestyles article today notes, these sites are aimed at daters ages 19 to 45, and some are concerned whether college students really need to resort to online dating to find their perfect match.
Well, the general answer is, they don't. Even if college students are looking for more than a good time on Dickson or at a fraternity party, commitment isn't solely found online and outside of a college campus. Young, healthy 20-somethings shouldn't be so concerned about finding a soul mate online that they're missing out on who's around them at everyday social gatherings.
As UA student Ricky Rankin II points out in today's Traveler article, relationships can begin through meeting in class, at work, in church, at sporting events or at any social gathering.
But perhaps the main argument against online dating is the risk it involves. There's no doubt that a student would be more able to gauge the authenticity of a dater in person rather than online, where messages could be misleading and photos could be downright fake.
Regardless of any dangers, online dating has become an acceptable way to build a relationship, and in general, that's fine. Before students jump into the mix, however, they should understand the advantages of being on a college campus and realize that there are many, many students just like them who are looking for partners, too.
And beyond simply being familiar, these Web sites appear to be working - according to Onlinedatingmagazine.com, they caused more than 120,000 marriages in 2007.
With popular methods of communication (think Facebook, Twitter, MySpace, etc.) moving away from face-to-face interaction and more toward technology every single day, it's not surprising that singles across the country are opting to pay a little cash for a less stressful, more immediate kind of dating.
And that's understandable. The services these sites provide are not just handy - they're successful. And for the 30-something professional who just hasn't found "the one," they might seem essential.
But, as a Lifestyles article today notes, these sites are aimed at daters ages 19 to 45, and some are concerned whether college students really need to resort to online dating to find their perfect match.
Well, the general answer is, they don't. Even if college students are looking for more than a good time on Dickson or at a fraternity party, commitment isn't solely found online and outside of a college campus. Young, healthy 20-somethings shouldn't be so concerned about finding a soul mate online that they're missing out on who's around them at everyday social gatherings.
As UA student Ricky Rankin II points out in today's Traveler article, relationships can begin through meeting in class, at work, in church, at sporting events or at any social gathering.
But perhaps the main argument against online dating is the risk it involves. There's no doubt that a student would be more able to gauge the authenticity of a dater in person rather than online, where messages could be misleading and photos could be downright fake.
Regardless of any dangers, online dating has become an acceptable way to build a relationship, and in general, that's fine. Before students jump into the mix, however, they should understand the advantages of being on a college campus and realize that there are many, many students just like them who are looking for partners, too.
Viewing Comments 1 - 4 of 4
Adult Personals
posted 3/03/09 @ 1:11 AM CST
Well I can see how you dont need to date online when your around so many people your age and the same interests as you.
matt
posted 3/03/09 @ 11:50 PM CST
Whilst there is alot of opportunity for singles at college to meet other singles, some prefer to look elsewhere outside their college so they can concentrate on their studies without the distraction of a boyfriend or girlfriend. (Continued…)
Singles online dating sites
posted 3/03/09 @ 11:54 PM CST
There is an un tapped niche for anyone wanting to start an online dating site for college students. I have initiated research that supports this
Older Student
posted 3/04/09 @ 6:21 AM CST
I am an older student who works with other women and young children. It's hard meeting men that are close to my age at school when they are all in their late teens and early twenties, so I would consider online dating, but I'm still wary of what is online. (Continued…)
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