Much of the research that I have found thus far on Internet dating has been either simply statistics about users, or mainly positive reviews about Internet dating, listing its numerous advantages. I finally discovered, however, an article that goes into more detail concerning some of the dangers of Internet dating. Angeline Close and George Zinkhan of the University of Georgia conducted a study in 2004 of a select group of college students in the United States about their experiences of Internet dating.
Clearly, there were some positive elements of the article. For example, it was noted that online dating not only helps to create new relationships, but it strengthens existing relationships when individuals are perhaps separated geographically. Also, the efficiency of Internet dating was developed, with mention that it is efficient because many sites already provide matches for individuals, and it is quite simple to scan through hundreds of pictures in a short period of time. Close and Zinkhan (2004) also noted that participants of their study mentioned they enjoyed the familiarity of their own home, what they called a “sacred place,” while online dating, for it allowed them to relax and be comfortable.
I appreciate this article, for it does not provide a biased depiction of online dating; it lists both the pros and the cons, and does not leave out crucial information about the potential risks that people considering joining online dating should be aware of. Firstly, and probably the least threatening and dangerous con to online dating is, according to Close and Zinkham’s study (2004) is a lesser intimacy in comparison to face-to-face interactions. They noted that “Where traditional, offline relationships assume some physical proximity, relationships formed online are often entered into with the understanding of the limited potential for physical contact” (Close et al. 2004). I believe that although online communication may offer greater opportunity for individuals to communicate, especially when there are time constraints on the amount of free time an individual has to meet others, interaction with someone in the flesh is certainly warmer and more intimate than communicating over a screen.
Another more harmful risk of online dating is how easy it is to lie to others. I know that I am d
oing it right now on my online dating page. I am definitely not 24 years old. Or named Katie James. In other previous articles that I have read, this simplicity of deception is emphasized as well. Close and Zinkan note that people could post a photo that is not actually an image of themselves and they can pretend they are interested in a certain group of individuals when they truly have no interest. For example, these scholars noted one particular individual in their study who “pretend[ed he was] interested in ‘ugly chicks.’ [He pursued] this prank with flattering e-mails to the girls, with no intentions of sincere communication” (Close et al. 2004). Easy deception is truly dangerous for some who are intently searching for somebody to love.
One particular risk that Close and Zinkhan noted, which I had never conceived of before, takes place upon face-to-face encounters with individuals with whom you have been communicating. One pattern that reoccured with the respondents in this study, is that the respondents did not consider the person they were about to meet as a stranger, for they had been communicating for some time. Close and Zinkhan (2004) mention that “Individuals seem to know many personal facts [about the other individual]; however these “facts” are often misrepresentations”. One respondent in the study had actually encountered abusive men upon meeting them face-to-face.
Even though online dating certainly seems dangerous enough, there is another risk. When an individual signs up for online dating, their information is privy to anyone who accesses the website. This includes your location, name (if you include it) and picture. The information you post on your page is accessible to complete strangers, to anyone and everyone who wishes to look, and there is no way to control it. According to Close and Zinkham, identity theft was also mentioned by respondents as a concern.
Because the Internet is such a young mass medium, we still don’t know everything about it. There are no gatekeepers or “Internet police” to ensure that rules are followed, mainly because there are not very many rules that can be enforced. Therefore, there is always a risk when participating in the Internet, whether it is in joining an online dating website or not. Don’t get me wrong, I am definitely not saying not to go on the Internet at all, or not to join online dating websites. I just think that it is crucial for people to know the potential risks they are exposing themselves to by online dating. Just be careful.
