Hassler's 'Digital Dating: Desperation Or Necessity'

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Recommended: Compare and contrast online dating verses traditional dating

“Digital Dating: Desperation or Necessity” is an article written by Christine Hassler responding to a 26-year-old “Online Dating Phobic” from Atlanta who is questioning the viability of online dating sites and whether or not it is pathetic or shameful to use them. Throughout this essay Hassler supports online dating, explaining that the internet or as she describes it the “world wide web” has taken control of human interaction. Because of this people of who are in the mid-20’s demographic who are accustomed to using social networking sites such as Facebook and Myspace should not fear these online dating sites. Hassler then assures in the article that if the right safety measures are taken when meeting your date then there is nothing to lose …show more content…

Christine Hassler makes a good point by saying “Just Be Cautious…. When you meet someone for the first time (I recommend afternoon coffee in a very public place).” There are potential dangers such as, personal safety when meeting someone, stalking and harassing, and even people misrepresenting what they show on their profile in online dating. There are safety steps to prevent the dangers of online dating that make it very safe. For starters, you should only use a dating website that is a member of the Online Dating Association (ODA), this association promise to be honest with their users and protect their privacy. Then there are many different ways to insure safety, like meeting people in public on the first several dates, being aware of scammers, or keeping your address and personal information anonymous on your website profile. Also, having one negative experience on a dating website shouldn’t make you fear continuing to use that site. A pewinternet.org research survey found that 36% of people from the ages of 18-29 had blocked or unfriended someone they had previously been in a relationship with on a social media site, such as Facebook or twitter. This shows that people have bad online experiences in relationships that weren’t begun on an online dating site. There is no question online dating has aspects that seem unsafe, but by taking the right precautions in protecting yourself it can be a very safe way to meet new …show more content…

The statistics don’t lie, and neither does my personal experience. I would agree that online dating isn’t for everyone. Some individuals have trouble communicating online and they feel as if they can’t show who they truly are by beginning a conversation on the internet. And other people are just worried about the safety aspect of it. That’s understandable. But for the rest of people who are “single and ready to mingle” that are not part of a big social group, or don’t have opportunities to meet people outside of their regular life” online dating is a great option. With the right safety precautions there is nothing to risk by using online dating to find people who are compatible. Also, for the people who are uncomfortable meeting someone for the first time on a date rather than through a friend group or social group there are dating sites like ignighter.com (mentioned in response), christianmingle.com, or blackpeoplemeet.com that are designed to meet a person’s preferences not only by finding the right type of person but the right situation to meet that person in. No one should be ashamed or embarrassed by online dating, it is becoming more and more accepted in the U.S. For the many people, online dating can be used as a legitimate and viable tool to finding the person of their

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