Online Dating Myths

Online dating has a certain stigma attached to it. People have, for the most part, come to certain conclusions about the concept, and certain myths have become common thought for many people. Read on to see what some of the common misconceptions are, and what the truth about online dating is.

Myth #1 – the Internet is nothing but weirdos and freaks who want nothing but cyber-sex.

Fact – There are many honest, legitimate people on dating service websites on the internet. That’s why you simply have to be careful, and get to know someone before agreeing to meet them, or sending them any personal information. See Internet Dating Safety Tips for more ideas on keeping yourself safe in the internet dating world.

Myth #2 – Dating Service Websites are just for people who are afraid to go out and meet people.

Fact – People today are busier than ever, and finding dates through the traditional social circles is not getting any easier. Furthermore, most of the dating sites allow you create a detailed profile, and view other members’ profiles conveniently, and from the privacy of your own home, before attempting to contact anyone.

Myth #3 – Dating Service Websites are nothing but a way for people to take your money.

Fact – Most dating sites are free to join, though most of them do require a paid membership in order to access their advanced features. First, when you compare the cost of an annual membership to the cost of just a couple of fancy dates, or a few nights at a bar or night club buying drinks, the cost is actually quite reasonable. Second, you can learn enough about any of them through the free membership to see if it’s worth your money in the first place, so I would recommend checking out several before paying any of them.

Myth #4 – Finding a mate among the millions of people on the internet will be much harder than trying to find a mate among the few dozen (or few hundred) people I will come in contact with over the next year.

Fact – The numbers are actually on your side here. The millions of people on internet Dating Sites actually give you a better chance of finding your mate. With detailed profiles for yourself and your potential mates, you can narrow down the millions to a few or even just one that is just right for you, much more easily and conveniently than trying to do it through traditional methods.

How to Choose the Right Online Dating Service

There is no formula for choosing the right online dating service. In fact, there are many to choose from, and most of them are free to join, although most of them usually charge to grant you access to the more advanced features. I recommend trying several out before you pay any of them.

When you do get ready to pay for an online dating service, keep these things in mind when making your decision.

1. Type of relationship you are seeking.

2. Number of registered members (basically your odds of getting a date, the more members, the better odds).

3. Membership features

Type of Relationship:

Almost all online dating services can be grouped into one of the following categories:

Matchmaking – Geared toward long-term, committed relationships, not necessarily sexual in nature.

Swingers/Sex – Designed for people looking for relationships that are primarily sexual in nature, group sex, swingers’ parties, or cyber-sex.

Alternative – For those looking for sexual relationships involving Bondage, S&M, role-playing, etc.

Gay/Lesbian – Catered toward same-sex couples, both romantic and purely sexual in nature.

Ethnic – Sites centered around people of a specific ethnic background, such as Asian, Jewish, or Latino.

Cams/Voyeurism – More like live pornography than actual dating, but ideal for those who are terrified of actual human interaction, cam sites allow people to watch others perform on camera, and some also allow members to perform for others, and along with the models on camera.

Now, you may be interested in more than one category, but these are a good place to start.

Membership Database:

This factor depends a lot on the first criteria. The type of relationship you are looking for basically determines whether a huge database is best, or if a smaller, more-specific database is for you. If you are looking primarily for a sexual relationship, and are willing to travel, then a large database is the one you want. If you are looking more for something local, then a smaller selection is better. Some services offer advanced profiling options and a large database, giving you the option of narrowing down your search from a large pool.

Membership Features:

You may wonder why cost is not one of the deciding factors, but since almost all dating services worth the trouble charge something for their advanced features, and all of them are fairly close in price, you may as well expect to pay for their services. Most of them charge somewhere between $100-$350 per year, but when you compare that cost to the cost of going out to bars or night clubs, and it quickly becomes obvious that it’s a good value, and you get a lot for your money. The specific features offered by each service vary somewhat, but certain ones are key, depending on the type of relationship you are looking for.

If you are looking at Matchmaking, detailed matching options would be important. If you are going to be online often, and chatting often, look for good chat, video chat, and messaging options. If you are infrequently online, look for email alerts. If you are into webcams, look at their camera features, and the number of members online at any given time.

Like I said, there is no formula, but the bottom line is, do your homework before you pay anyone for any service. Use the free membership to explore a few of them, and then bite the bullet, spend less than you would on a date to a fancy restaurant on a years membership, and start looking.