When you consider the scope of human relationships, dating through an online dating website is still a brand new phenomenon. Since the 1990s, the process of meeting people through dating websites has drawn attention of all sorts. Some people like the simplicity of it, while others are wary of safety issues and dishonest profiles.
Let’s face it: times are a-changing. Dating traditions have come along way in the past 100 years. Sure, you’ve heard of courting, but did you know that parents used to sew their children into their pajamas so they could get cozy under the covers without any, shall we say, consequences?
Courting is now seen as an old fashioned practice, and most people aren’t keen on finding the love of their life at a bar, so what’s next? How do you meet people in the digital age, when almost all social interaction occurs online? Well, through online dating websites, of course!
Still not convinced? No problem, we’re here to put your worries to rest.
In this article, we’ll cover:
- How dating websites pair you up with compatible matches
- Common myths related to online dating
- The benefits of online dating websites
- Why Catholic Singles is the best place to search for your perfect match
How do online dating websites usually work?
The key to busting online dating myths is to understand the process itself. We’ll break it down for you.
First, you register for an account and create a profile with your personal info, preferences, and a photo of yourself. The more thorough you are, the more likely you are to draw the attention of other users.
That being said, don’t feel like you have to share more info than you’re comfortable with. A simple overview of your likes and interests should be enough to capture the attention of potential matches. Keep in mind that there is some information that you should never share publicly online, like your home address.
After you create your profile, some dating websites allow you to complete a personality inventory to help you find people with similar preferences, interests, and ideologies.
Once you have your list of matches, it’s time to connect with other users. While you can wait for others to reach out, the quickest way to find a good match is to reach out yourself. You can initiate a message and chat online for a while to see if you click.
The next step is a phone call. This is a good way to make sure that your new interest is who they say they are. If you are still digging each other, use this opportunity to set up your first in-person date. Make sure to meet in a public place and have an exit strategy in case things go awry.
At the end of your first date, be open about how you feel. You can set up another date, or move on to your next match through dating websites. There’s no pressure to stick with the first person you’ve contacted. That’s the beauty of online dating!
9 myths about online dating websites debunked
Many people feel burnt out by the dating game, but they’re skeptical about finding a match through dating websites. We get it. Dating websites often get a bad rep for being a last resort. In reality, it’s a great way to meet people that you might not cross paths with otherwise.
1. Dating websites are not safe
Dating websites are perfectly safe when used prudently. The fear surrounding identity theft, scams, and violence is real. There are dishonest scammers who target dating sites and their members to try and get money from them.
But if you are smart about how you use an online dating service, you can easily protect yourself.
First, be slow to take the conversation off of the dating service messaging system. Scammers know that they can be kicked off at any minute, so they’ll often try to get you to take the conversation to email immediately. At Catholic Singles, we are constantly using automated monitoring systems to catch scammers when they signup and after. If a scammer does make it through our initial screening, they know their time is limited.
Second, if you aren’t sure about someone, report them. In addition to automated and human checks, Catholic Singles uses community reporting systems to protect our members. You can report any member by clicking the circle with 3 dots under their profile image:
Reporting a member doesn’t automatically remove them – it just puts their profile in a queue for an additional human check on their profile.
So while scammers might be trying to make dating websites unsafe, the fact is, most sites are very safe. But that doesn’t replace using caution and common sense.
2. Dating websites are for desperate people
The fear of appearing desperate to family, friends, and potential love interests may be the number one factor that turns people away from online dating. If the desperation dilemma is what’s giving you pause, we have good news for you. According to a pew research study, only 16% of people agree with the statement, “people who use online dating sites are desperate.”
In contrast, 80% of American online daters agree that the web is a great place to meet people and 62% agree that online dating helps people find a more compatible match than traditional methods.
3. Dating websites are only for young people
While it’s true that the majority of online daters belong to younger generations, internet romance is drawing the attention of mature daters now more than ever. In fact, seniors report turning to online dating for many of the same reasons as millennials. According to an AARP survey, 48% of senior singles used online dating in the hopes of kindling a serious relationship, while 40% were more interested in casual dating or companionship.
Millennials may have the upper hand on cyber relationships, but senior dating is coming on strong.
4. Dating websites are all about the looks
Casual hookup apps may be to blame for the idea that online dating is only for people who rank a 10. Regardless of looks, this stigma can leave anyone fearful of being passed by based on photo alone.
Not to worry! Many dating websites, Catholic Singles included, provide detailed profiles and personality inventories to help your true self shine through. Combine this with specialized algorithms designed to connect you with compatible matches, and you’re well on your way to finding forever love.
5. People who use dating websites have commitment issues
Once again, we can probably blame this one on casual hookup sites. Many people have the impression that dating websites are for flings, not for longtime love. The truth is, people turn to online dating with lots of different goals and expectations. True, some people treat dating as a hobby and have a high turn over rate on relationships, but the grand majority of people turn to the web to find a lifelong partner.
It’s important also to consider the factors that might lead someone to pursue online dating. Perhaps they’re a busy single with no time to meet people casually. Perhaps their spouse left them and they’re ready to pursue love again, or maybe their spouse passed away and they don’t want to spend any more time alone. Most situations are not the result of commitment issues, but are instead out of the person’s control.
6. Online dating requires a lot of time
Dating in general is hard to nail down on a time scale. It involves the workings of two hearts and souls, and really can’t be rushed. The great news is, online dating can actually speed up the process exponentially.
Think about it. Traditionally, you’d have to wait to naturally encounter someone who’s compatible with you in areas like ideology, personality, interests, and preferences. This alone might take years, if it happens at all.
Add to that the time it takes to develop a rapport with this person, exchange contact info, and set up a date and you’ve got years upon years of time invested in a single relationship. No wonder break-ups are so devastating.
Online dating not only connects you with thousands of people that you might not otherwise cross paths with, it also specifically directs you towards people like yourself and gives you the means to reach out to them. In most cases, this process cuts down your time on playing field significantly.
7. Relationships that start on dating websites don’t last long
This myth is easily busted. Just take a look at our success stories. Catholic Singles has made hundreds of happy marriages since its founding.
8. Users on dating websites lie on their profiles
Alright, this one might be a little true. But let’s talk about it! While 53% of people admit to lying on their dating profiles, most everyone reports that their lies were related to height, weight, age, and income.
Let’s break that down a bit. To start, almost half on online dating users do not lie on their profiles. Of those who do, most are simply fudging the numbers on their scale or birth certificate. While not preferable, these little white lies are most likely born out of insecurity and the desire to capture the attention of a good match. The truth will come out in time during the dating process.
For what it’s worth, we always advocate being 100% honest on your dating profile in order to find someone who appreciates you just as you are.
9. Dating websites are just for hookups
Ah, it’s those darn hookup sites again, ruining it for the rest of us. We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again, online dating it for everyone! Whether your end goal is friendship, casual companionship, or marriage, you’re welcome in the cyber dating community.
Online dating can be what you need to find the love of your life
Time for a recap! Here’s everything we want you to know about finding love on the net:
- Dating websites are for everyone: young, old, looking for love, desperate for a friend, just want to have fun…we can help you find someone like you
- As with any activity, online dating is perfectly safe as long as you take necessary precautions to protect yourself
- Online dating combines personality traits, interest, and attraction to find the perfect match for you
- Online dating can actually speed up the dating process
- Online dating can help you achieve your relationship goals
Why should you become a member of Catholic Singles?
Catholic Singles is specifically designed with you in mind. Forget the hassle of finding like-minded singles on secular sites. Our users get you. You can use our compatibility test to find profiles tailored to your personality and interests.
Ready to reach out, but afraid to jump in? Our icebreaker activities allow you to interact with other users without the pressure of composing a dm. This activity based approach is a more natural way of dating online.
Still unsure, take a look at this list of hundreds of happy couples who have found love on CatholicSingles.
Catholic Singles is not your average, secular dating website. We are a dating website built by Catholics, for Catholics, with Catholic principles in mind.
