Dating has now become easier, and simpler, thanks to the advancements of technology and the rise of the internet. Social media has become one of the most popular means that help people reach out and connect.
However, is social media also the best place to date and find a potential love interests? Should Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter be your main dating platforms?
Social Media: A Double-Edged Sword
Almost everyone now loves to spend long hours of the day glued to the screens of their devices, and the biggest chunk of this time is often spent on social media alone.
Since people are spending more time on social media, it is only expected that they try to make good use of them. Today, it is common for people to share their opinions, stay updated with the latest news, and do other stuff.
Thanks to the popularity of social media, more and more people cannot help but think that they should also use social media to search for love. But before getting too excited with the thought of meeting your Mr. or Miss Right on social media, remember that it is a double-edged sword. Yes, social media has its own set of pros and cons.
However, you shouldn’t be confused. Social media is a bit different from online dating sites, specifically in terms of social fragmentation and how you register.
Obviously, you can use social media for free, unlike many of the online dating sites out there that will charge you a certain fee just to be part of the pool.
When it comes to fragmentation, on the other hand, online dating platforms have been specially tailored to match people.
To help you reach a wise decision, here are some of the pros and cons of using social media that you should know when it comes to dating and finding love.
Pros of Using Social Media for Dating
· It’s Free
Searching for love online can be a bit expensive. This is because most dating sites will charge you a fee in exchange for helping you find and meet the next love of your life. Dating on social media, on the other hand, is a completely free venture.
These platforms are getting more personal these days and more new tools are also added to make it easier and more convenient for you to communicate and find your potential match.
· Find Someone Like You
The networking aspect is probably what makes social media beautiful. These networks have been specially made to bring together people who share the same interests under one roof.
Whatever you are into, you are bound to meet someone who shares the same interests as you and will ideally fit into your network. Social media’s community aspect makes it suitable for striking romance.
· There’s Plenty of Fish in the Sea
There are over 500 million active Facebook users today, a number that you can never achieve even if you combine the best three online dating platforms in the market.
The channel’s size alone is one of the biggest benefits of using social media for dating. You can get access to a large pool of potential candidates waiting for you.
Cons of Using Social Media for Dating
· Tough Competition
The thing about the massive social media community is that its sheer size makes it tough to get the attention you are craving. It can get quite tricky to stand out from the rest of the crowd when you are competing with others who have the same objectives.
This means that if you want to use social media for dating, you might end up facing this dilemma because you are not the only one searching through those profiles of potential dates.
· A Matter of Luck
Not all people who use social media websites are interested in finding a date. In fact, many of them simply love to spend time on social media to chat with friends, browse for services, and do other things other than searching for a date.
There is also the risk that the people you reach out to won’t be exactly interested if you express your intention to date. This means that dating on social media is a hit-or-miss affair. It may be a matter of luck whether or not you will find a potential date in the social space.
· The Drama Factor
While there are others who have been successful with dating using social media, it might be safe to say that more relationships were destroyed instead of built because of it. This is the dating arena with a high potential for drama.
For example, for some strange reasons unknown to you, your ex might still be on your friend’s list, or your friend posts a photo on your profile page that should have remained private in the first place.
Although there is nothing wrong in using social media to join the dating field, it is important to be extra careful, especially if you are after a serious relationship. You might face more drama than you normally would if you date offline.
The Bottom Line
With the broad reach of social media, it doesn’t come as a surprise that more and more people are now using the platforms to find potential dates. While social media dating has its perks, always remember that it is a double-edged sword. It can make or break your dating life, so approach it with caution.