The Truth About Online Dating by Robert Epstein

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Recommended: Compare and contrast online dating verses traditional dating

There is no doubt that recent technological advancements have changed the way humans interact with one another in the 21st century. Through email, text messages, and social networking sites, we are able to get in touch with people all over the world in a much faster and more efficient manner than in previous years. Since modern technology has become such an integral part of our everyday lives, it is certainly not uncommon for two people to meet and connect with each other via the Internet. Members of this relatively new subculture of online daters invest a great deal of time and energy into their romantic affairs. In fact, according to Robert Epstein’s “The Truth About Online Dating,” advertising materials from the largest online dating services suggest that over 50 million Americans are currently using such services, and that they are wholly satisfied with the results (34). Unfortunately, however, the controversial subject of online relationships in modern society is frequently misrepresented by the media. Many films and television shows exaggerate the risks associated with online dating, choosing to highlight extreme examples of lies and deception for the sake of maintaining their dramatic quality. Other forms of media tend to romanticize online dating, consequently giving Internet users unrealistic expectations for their own relationships. Whether it depicts the frightening or idealized side of online dating, popular culture makes a conscious effort to feature sensationalized stories in order to appeal to a target audience that relies solely on entertainment. As a result, the truth about Internet dating is not adequately conveyed, which ultimately results in the public’s distorted image of such online practices.
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Lutes, Alicia. “Is ‘Catfish’ Catfishing America?” Hollywood.com. N.p., 19 Feb. 2013. Web. 7
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McGinn, Dave. “Catfish dogged by doubts about its authenticity.” The Globe and Mail. The
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Montroy, Michael. “10 Movies about Online Dating.” Examiner.com. AXS Digital Group LLC,
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“Online dating is US popular culture.” Date Culture.com. Date Culture, N.p., 26 Aug. 2008.
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Pantazi, Chloe. “Why Doesn’t Hollywood Understand Online Dating Yet?” Flavorwire.
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