Difference between revisions of "Online Dating"
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| − | '''Online dating''' is the "use of websites that provide a database of potential partners--typically in close geographical proximity--that one can browse and contact, generally for a fee." <ref>Sautter, 2010, p. 555</ref> Popular examples of online dating websites include [http://www.match.com Match.com], [http://www.eharmony.com eHarmony.com], [http://www.okcupid.com okCupid.com], and [http://www.plentyoffish.com plentyoffish.com]. | + | '''Online dating''' is the "use of websites that provide a database of potential partners--typically in close geographical proximity--that one can browse and contact, generally for a fee." <ref name="Sautter">Sautter, 2010, p. 555</ref> Popular examples of online dating websites include [http://www.match.com Match.com], [http://www.eharmony.com eHarmony.com], [http://www.okcupid.com okCupid.com], and [http://www.plentyoffish.com plentyoffish.com]. |
The online dating industry is currently experiencing strong growth, making it one of the most profitable Internet businesses. | The online dating industry is currently experiencing strong growth, making it one of the most profitable Internet businesses. | ||
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Despite the economic recession, online dating websites have reported increased traffic to their sites that may be due to the unemployed having more time. Likewise, online dating is an inexpensive alternative in meeting people for relationships, contributing to its popularity. It has been found that 1 in 5 relationships now start online. [] | Despite the economic recession, online dating websites have reported increased traffic to their sites that may be due to the unemployed having more time. Likewise, online dating is an inexpensive alternative in meeting people for relationships, contributing to its popularity. It has been found that 1 in 5 relationships now start online. [] | ||
| − | Relationships formed through online dating sites do not always constitute a romantic one, and if so, do not always progress solely through virtual processes. It is found that many users choose to arrange a physical encounter rather quickly instead of taking the time to get to know their "partner" user exclusively online. Most users meet physically in order to get to know each other better, thus altering the web service as only a tool for facilitating the initial meeting.<ref>Whitty, 2008, p. 1715</ref> | + | Relationships formed through online dating sites do not always constitute a romantic one, and if so, do not always progress solely through virtual processes. It is found that many users choose to arrange a physical encounter rather quickly instead of taking the time to get to know their "partner" user exclusively online. Most users meet physically in order to get to know each other better, thus altering the web service as only a tool for facilitating the initial meeting.<ref name="Whitty">Whitty, 2008, p. 1715</ref> |
The stigma of utilizing online dating services has greatly diminished as a result of the ubiquity of social networking sites and the commonality of sharing information and interacting with others online. Furthermore, many users of online dating sites have had prior experience with social networking sites. | The stigma of utilizing online dating services has greatly diminished as a result of the ubiquity of social networking sites and the commonality of sharing information and interacting with others online. Furthermore, many users of online dating sites have had prior experience with social networking sites. | ||
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In 2010, Carole Markin sued Match.com, an online dating site, for failing to have background check on its users. On a date arranged through the site, she was sexually assaulted by a registered sex offender, Alan Paul Wurtzel. <ref>Williams, 2011, Los Angeles Times, "Match.com agrees to screen for sex offenders to settle lawsuit"</ref> The court case brought up issues of relationships facilitated through online interactions, specifically about the anonymity and deceitful techniques of users. | In 2010, Carole Markin sued Match.com, an online dating site, for failing to have background check on its users. On a date arranged through the site, she was sexually assaulted by a registered sex offender, Alan Paul Wurtzel. <ref>Williams, 2011, Los Angeles Times, "Match.com agrees to screen for sex offenders to settle lawsuit"</ref> The court case brought up issues of relationships facilitated through online interactions, specifically about the anonymity and deceitful techniques of users. | ||
| − | Various critics, including modern Luddites, have focused on online dating sites as evidence of the deteriorating morals of human relationships caused by technology. Some arguments include that online dating sites seek to commodify human intimacy, and reduce the sanctity of love to something that can be advertised, bought and found through a search engine. <ref | + | Various critics, including modern Luddites, have focused on online dating sites as evidence of the deteriorating morals of human relationships caused by technology. Some arguments include that online dating sites seek to commodify human intimacy, and reduce the sanctity of love to something that can be advertised, bought and found through a search engine. <ref name="Sautter" \> |
The free dating sites set up the possibility for pedophile breeding grounds where anyone can sign up for free (although there are age requirements, only a fake year of birth need be submitted for access). Some users have taken it into their own hands to set up fake children's accounts and "troll the pedo's" as youtube user BlueGenitalWarts did. He would pose as an underage girl and set up times to meet men from plentyoffish.com and confront these men dressed as Batman (often accompanied by Flash) and a video camera. His films have since been removed from Youtube. | The free dating sites set up the possibility for pedophile breeding grounds where anyone can sign up for free (although there are age requirements, only a fake year of birth need be submitted for access). Some users have taken it into their own hands to set up fake children's accounts and "troll the pedo's" as youtube user BlueGenitalWarts did. He would pose as an underage girl and set up times to meet men from plentyoffish.com and confront these men dressed as Batman (often accompanied by Flash) and a video camera. His films have since been removed from Youtube. | ||
Revision as of 00:23, 18 November 2011
Online dating is the "use of websites that provide a database of potential partners--typically in close geographical proximity--that one can browse and contact, generally for a fee." [1] Popular examples of online dating websites include Match.com, eHarmony.com, okCupid.com, and plentyoffish.com.
The online dating industry is currently experiencing strong growth, making it one of the most profitable Internet businesses. Online dating sites are characterized by detailed user profiles and recommender systems.
Popular Use
Despite the economic recession, online dating websites have reported increased traffic to their sites that may be due to the unemployed having more time. Likewise, online dating is an inexpensive alternative in meeting people for relationships, contributing to its popularity. It has been found that 1 in 5 relationships now start online. []
Relationships formed through online dating sites do not always constitute a romantic one, and if so, do not always progress solely through virtual processes. It is found that many users choose to arrange a physical encounter rather quickly instead of taking the time to get to know their "partner" user exclusively online. Most users meet physically in order to get to know each other better, thus altering the web service as only a tool for facilitating the initial meeting.[2]
The stigma of utilizing online dating services has greatly diminished as a result of the ubiquity of social networking sites and the commonality of sharing information and interacting with others online. Furthermore, many users of online dating sites have had prior experience with social networking sites.
Niche online dating sites have become popular, some focusing on specific demographics such as race, religion, sexual orientation, and age. With the new addition of sites like ChristianMatch.com or JustHookUp.com, people are able to find people with similar interests and traits. Prior to online dating, singles were forced to seek out others in places they frequent from churches to bars. However, the invention of these websites have allowed people an easy way to find similar people. People have begun to eliminate people from the dating pool because they do not subscribe to these niche websites. Baby boomers have increasingly turned to online dating with people fifty-five and older visiting American dating sites more than other age blocks. []
Profiles
Users interact with each other through the use of profiles. Users tend to make their profiles more favorable to others, the most common exaggerations in appearance, marital status, and career.
There is a complex interaction when a user builds a profile. Two personalities, the "true self" or the "traits or characteristics individuals possess and would like to but are not usually able to express" and the "actual self" or "traits or characteristics that individuals possess and express in social settings," are utilized. [] Users tend to emphasize the "true self" than the "actual self," because the user can display the favorable qualities of one's self that is not apparent in physical social situations.
The interactions on an online dating site are a "highly reflexive process" in which users must "contend with a perpetual cycle of self-disclosure opportunities," such as revealing personal data and feelings. [] Many users are hesitant about the reality of profiles and the anonymous nature of the Internet, participating in the cycle of self-disclosure to reduce skepticism in potential partners. The building of trust through the process of sharing information such as feelings, mimics the progression of trust in relationships formed offline. []
The process of creating a profile is a continuous one. Many users frequently edit their profiles to appear more attractive to other users. In certain cases, users even tailor their profile information to target specific users.
Users of online dating sites tend to be more discriminatory toward other users, emphasizing attractiveness in profile pictures more often online than in offline environments. This competition amongst users leads to exaggeration of physical appearance as many believe that other users are more likely to be directed toward attractive profiles. []
Despite many users admitting to deceptive information in their profiles, users were more critical of misleading profiles.
Recommender systems
Many online dating sites offer a recommender system in potential matches based on one's profile information. For example, the recommender system sees that two people have many common interests, so it recommends the each of the users to one another based in the logic that the common interests of the two users will lead to a successful relationship.
Ethical implications
In 2010, Carole Markin sued Match.com, an online dating site, for failing to have background check on its users. On a date arranged through the site, she was sexually assaulted by a registered sex offender, Alan Paul Wurtzel. [3] The court case brought up issues of relationships facilitated through online interactions, specifically about the anonymity and deceitful techniques of users.
Various critics, including modern Luddites, have focused on online dating sites as evidence of the deteriorating morals of human relationships caused by technology. Some arguments include that online dating sites seek to commodify human intimacy, and reduce the sanctity of love to something that can be advertised, bought and found through a search engine. [1]