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For whom is online dating really suitable?

There are many different myths about online dating, and opinions differ. While some believe it to be worthwhile and there are even statistics that prove the success of eHarmony, for example, there are other opinions as well. People in despair of finding a partner online.

But what now? Is online dating perhaps not something for everyone?

Even in our editorial team, opinions on this question varied. It was therefore time to take a closer look at the question of who online dating is suitable for. To examine the matter more closely, we turned one question into several.

The fact is: the online dating market is booming. According to statistics, currently about 40% of singles in New Zealand actively use dating services. A figure unlikely to come about unless both young and older people have opted for online dating. Which brings us to our first question.

Is online dating only for younger people?

Online dating is indeed very popular among the younger generation. Installing dating apps on your smartphone and chatting also sounds more like the young whippersnappers, doesn't it? Numerous providers (with the exception of casual dating here, of course) offer the possibility of creating a profile from as young as 16. Especially apps like Tinder and Lovoo tend to attract a younger audience. But is online dating only for younger people? This is a question that we can confidently answer with a "no" even with a look at another statistic. It even becomes clear that young people do not make up the majority of online dating users. But who comes out on top - is it perhaps older people who have discovered online dating for themselves?

How good is online dating for seniors/elderly people?

Most people think that online dating is just a thing of the young. However, the fact is that there are dating portals that focus specifically on older people. While mature singles otherwise meet younger members when online dating, they are completely among themselves on the niche sites. Granted: On portals where different generations meet, the chances of finding a serious partner are rather low. On platforms that specialize in matching silver singles, on the other hand, the chances are particularly good.

The reason: Mature singles look back on a past that often includes offspring. While they predominantly meet singles via dating apps like Tinder who are as old as their own offspring, the problem does not exist on the Over 50 singles sites. Here, older people and seniors who have serious intentions and know what matters at this age sign up. No one wants to sow their wild oats on these portals, but rather find someone with whom they can look to the future together.

So how well online dating is suited for older people and seniors depends on where they go looking for a partner.

Now let's move on to the question of gender....

How well is online dating suitable for women?

When it comes to men, online dating is unfair. "Women have it much easier and are constantly written to" or "They don't have to do anything to find someone online" are classic statements that keep popping up. But is it really true that online dating is almost child's play for women? Why then do some women spend months on a dating site when there is so much on offer?

Yes, women are contacted much more often than men. And no, dating is no walk in the park for them. While the men of creation complain about a lack of messages, many women can hardly escape receiving messages. But that doesn't mean that every message is promising and that the long-awaited Romeo is behind it. In truth, about 90 percent of the incoming inquiries are not worth the trouble. Meaningless messages, which are best sent to several contacts at the same time, are not uncommon.

Women who are seriously looking for a partner online often need a thick skin. They receive unsolicited nude pictures, are hit on in a crude manner and are also looking for a needle in a haystack. So anyone who thinks it's much easier for women to meet sensible and potential partners online is wrong. Percentage-wise, they may be outnumbered and thus have more choices, but the bottom line is that finding the right person is no easy task for them either. 

And how does it look for men?

Is online dating pointless for most men?

"I don't stand a chance anyway because they're all so superficial" and "Who would want me?” Typical statements from men who have failed at online dating. But is online dating actually pointless for men or are they perhaps simply doing something wrong?

After all, there are countless guys who sign up on a dating platform and actually go on dates. But what is their secret formula or are they an exception? They are not an exception, but most of them have a secret recipe and that consists of an appealing profile design and interest.

Many men who sign up for online dating think they will succeed quickly. In reality, however, they enter into a fierce competition. On most dating profiles, there is a higher percentage of men, which means they have to differentiate themselves from the mass of competitors among women. Male dating users who take the time to craft their profile to be detailed and appealing from the start have successfully overcome the first major hurdle.

Next, as a man, it is also important to show sincere interest to women. As already mentioned, female members receive 90 percent meaningless or even disrespectful messages. Even on dating portals, which are intended for the serious partner thing, women are increasingly confronted with unwanted naked facts.

So, if you know how to behave as a man, take the matter seriously and really show interest in women, you have good cards. But: Even in this case, patience is crucial. Online dating is therefore not pointless for men - they just have to put more effort into it and show patience.

Can online dating be suitable for couples as well?

Whether online dating is also suitable for couples depends entirely on the goal to be achieved. Is it about new acquaintances for joint activities or perhaps even about finding a match as a couple in erotic terms?

The selection of dating sites is so multi-faceted that it is not limited to partnerships. Casual dating platforms such as AdultFriendFinder, for example, enjoy high popularity among couples in particular. Men and women who open up their relationship sexually and look for erotic adventures together are not uncommon on these sites. Then there are couples who have an open relationship and give each other the free pass for erotic adventures outside of their own bed. In that case, online dating is also suitable to take the chance of the permitted fling. 

Is online dating good for permanent singles? And how long is it good to be single?

While some people can hardly wait to end their singledom quickly, others seem to be happy alone for years. But what does it actually mean to be a perpetual single? By definition, this term only applies to people who have not had a relationship for around ten years. Others, however, feel like a permanent single after just four years and are desperately looking for a way to change this life situation. Is online dating a solution for these self-proclaimed permanent singles?

People who are single for a longer period of time usually have a fixed social environment. They pursue their jobs, have their circle of friends and hobbies that do not require larger communities. The chance of getting to know someone in everyday life is therefore very low. Through online dating, such singles can break out of the routine of their lives and think outside the box. However, to plunge blindly into dating is not advisable even in this case. For permanent singles, registering with a dating agency is more worthwhile than joining a dating site. Those who are single for a longer period of time may simply have special requirements and here dating agencies are the solution. A detailed personality test and algorithms ensure that members only receive contact suggestions that match their own ideas. This gives singles the chance to search specifically for the right contacts, which is often a great advantage, especially for permanent singles.

How long is it good to be single?

There are many singles who are happy with their current state of life - at least most of the time. In lonely moments, however, even happy singles want someone to enjoy togetherness instead of loneliness.

The reasons that led to single life are often decisive. Those who had a disastrous last relationship are unlikely to jump straight back into a partnership. Rather, the focus during this time is on getting to know oneself and figuring out one's own desires. Psychologists state that it can take up to four years for someone to get over a past love.

Accordingly, it is not possible to make an exact statement. However, most singles first take time for themselves and their own needs after a serious partnership. And nevertheless: It is scientifically proven that humans are happier within a relationship under the line. The partnership, provided it is harmonious, has a positive effect on both the body and the mind.

So being single and enjoying freedom is not a capital offense. However, you shouldn't close yourself off too much and be open to new acquaintances. You don't want to end up missing out on the love of your life because you're used to being alone.

In summary

Back to the initial question: For whom is online dating really suitable? The answer: online dating is suitable for anyone who is seriously interested in a partnership. What is important is where singles look for their next love and how they go about finding a partner!

There is no generation or gender with a clear advantage. Success depends on one's own motivation and initiative. Even singles who are alone for a long period of time have the chance with dating platform to slowly and safely start looking for a partner again. The danger with permanent singles: those who have managed without a partner for years have learned to cope alone and are not prepared to compromise in a relationship. This makes it increasingly difficult to find the right partner. So, it is not advisable to lock yourself up in your shell.



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