Okay, Cupid?: Online Dating 101
This past Saturday, I had the opportunity to help in Cupid's matchmaking by teaching the class, Online Dating 101: Okay, Cupid?, at Roger's Memorial Library.
Online dating can seem overwhelming and intimidating, so I took it upon myself to break it down step by step for this class.
Online dating sites haven't recreated the wheel, but they are continuing to spin it!
There are plenty of reasons to use online dating services. Many join to meet new people, share new experiences, fit a social life in a busy schedule, and even just to date on their terms.
I always suggest protecting yourself as you would anywhere else on the internet. Keep personal information off the website and chat until you have met a match in person and feel comfortable with them.
It's also essential for people to trust their gut. If something doesn't feel right even if it's just a lack of connection, end it. One of the great things about online dating is that you have the power. Skip to the next person if you don't think you share a connection! It's on your terms!
The more sites you use, the more people you'll see. I suggest using up to three sites; any more can be overwhelming.
Just because it's an online dating site doesn't mean everyone wants the same thing. Some may be looking for long-term romantic relationships, and others may just be looking for a new friend. Try asking what the other person is looking for early on in the conversation; this will save both of you time and energy!
A picture says a thousand words, so three say 3,000 words! From my experience, it is more likely for someone to take a quick look at your photos then take the time to read your entire profile. So use your pictures to your advantage! Others with similar interests are more likely to read your profile and reach out to you when they can see a connection. Like hiking? Take a picture of you while you're out in the wilderness. Rather be sipping at a winery? Upload a photo from your last visit.
The purpose of my class was to show people that online dating can be a fun and beneficial experience. I hope that I have influenced many new connections after sharing my experience.
Class Resources:
Recommended Resources:
Interested in what it takes to become a librarian?
Online dating can seem overwhelming and intimidating, so I took it upon myself to break it down step by step for this class.
Matchmaking services are nothing new. People have been seeking relationships through personal advertisements as early as the 18th century (Cock, H.G. 2010, as cited in HuffPost, 2017). However, it wasn't until 1965 that we had our first computer-based dating system. Harvard students created Operation Match, where individuals filled out questionnaires and let a computer algorithm determine who their best match was!
There are plenty of reasons to use online dating services. Many join to meet new people, share new experiences, fit a social life in a busy schedule, and even just to date on their terms.
I always suggest protecting yourself as you would anywhere else on the internet. Keep personal information off the website and chat until you have met a match in person and feel comfortable with them.
It's also essential for people to trust their gut. If something doesn't feel right even if it's just a lack of connection, end it. One of the great things about online dating is that you have the power. Skip to the next person if you don't think you share a connection! It's on your terms!
There are a few tips and tricks I like to suggest for people trying to make the most of their online dating experience.
1. Join Multiple sites
2. Communicate
3. Add multiple photos
4. Be yourself!
If you are trying to meet other people, you should be as genuine as possible. Let your true colors fly so other people can get to know the real you! Class Resources:
- Dating Sites Review Website
- A Complete Beginner's Guide to Online Dating
- A Very Efficient Guide to Not Wasting Your Time While Online Dating
Interested in what it takes to become a librarian?
Stay tuned for upcoming blog posts!
If there is a specific topic that you would like me to focus on, please feel free to submit it through the feedback link below!
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