Dating has changed over the last decade, with the growing popularity of online dating agencies.  No longer do you have to get dolled up at the weekend, cruise the local bars and pubs, and hope for someone half-way decent to approach you.  

With the onset of online dating agencies,  you could wander the site in your pyjamas, and wait for the action to begin. Depending on the number of male members, the number of them logged on at the time (and, of course, your own attractiveness), you could be hit on within minutes.  

This may all sound very appealing, but if somethings sounds this good, it is usually balanced out with a few cons.

Here are three pros and cons of using online dating sites.

1.  Everyone Knows Why Everyone Else Is On The Site

Pro
Unlike the real-life social scene, where you don’t know the relationship status of every man you come across, with online dating sites, you know that everyone else is looking for the same thing you are - a relationship.

Con
The other side to that pro is precisely that - everyone on the site knows exactly why you’re  there too.  Some women have reported that this makes them feel more vulnerable and exposed.  At least on the real-life social scene you have the mystery of your relationship status to play with.  With online sites you don’t have that mystery.

2.  You Have A Clean Slate

Pro
Any man you meet in real-life can form an opinion about you before he even asks you out on a date.  All he needs to do is speak to the host of the party, the person who introduced you etc.  With online dating, the only things he can find out about you before dating you are whatever you say in your emails.  This is much more controllable than what a third party says about you.

Con
The other side of this argument being that you can’t know anything about him that he doesn’t want you to know.  From anything as small as a speeding ticket or driving offences to more heavy issues like criminal activity, fraud etc.  This may make you more adept at judging his words (in emails and on dates) or it can leave you very vulnerable indeed.


3.  Your ‘Hotlist’ Is More Refined

Pro
When at a bar, pub, or other social ground, you may look at or speak to men whom you keep in mind as a ‘maybe’, or ‘possibly’.  You don’t know anything about their background that could be a deal-breaker, such as the issue of marriage, starting a family, where to live etc.  With online dating sites, you just look at their profiles to find out background information.  This means you ‘hotlist’ is more refined than would be in real life.

Con
On the other hand, being able to refine your hotlist can distract you from the whole purpose of dating.  Dating is about interacting with different men, so honing your social skills i.e. conversation skills, listening skills etc. Refining the men whom you interact with will limit these opportunities.  


Summary

So there you have it.  Three reasons online dating can appeal, and the very three reasons why it may not appeal.  As with any form of socialising, it can have its advantages and disadvantages.  Being aware of the overall picture can help to make the choice of whether it’s the right method for you.