thePULSEBy Tom Cadrin
The world of love has a new fad. No, Cupid hasn’t upgraded to a hover board and “Love Potion No. 9” is still just a song (and, sorry Ms. Bullock, I know it’s a difficult time for you, a really bad movie). This fad has everything to do with the way the world is turning these days, in the direction of online instant knowledge.
Whether you like it or not, online dating sites are a very present factor is today’s modern romantic affairs. Mother Goose would be proud as we’ve found a way to materialize our ever promised slow-motion-on-the-beach-embrace fairy tales in a way that’s easier than ordering your lunch! Putting pixie dust aside, there are actual, honest and beautiful people on these sites. As some of my friends have used these services with success, they must hold some truth.
Well, excuse the questions but, where did all the old fashion go? Why has it gone? What was wrong with it? And finally, with so many different sites offering the same basic service of matchmaker, are online dating services the cause or the solution?
On the one hand, these sites solve everything that is difficult with traditional dating and have some fantastic perks. In order to report effectively, I signed up at OKCupid.com. We all know how these sites work: sign up, fill out a questionnaire or take surveys and the site matches you with other users based on the comparison of your answers. I am reminded of a deli.
With endless variety and all ingredients listed, you can sample anything and everything. In all honesty, it’s actually pretty awesome. I’m able to see exactly what I’m getting myself into with each person. No “We’re still getting to know each other,” as I can basically know someone before I even look into their eyes. But does this feature institute and perpetuate a need for the fad?
As we take our number in line at the online dating deli, perhaps we will become increasingly unable to break the ice and meet someone in an old fashioned, organic, unsolicited manner? “Hello. My name is Tom. Can I buy you a drink?” As our desire (or some may say, “need”) for instant knowledge rises, we may become increasingly unable to perform what was once an exciting and cherished prologue to a larger tale. Cliffnotes, anyone?
Now, I’m not knocking these sites or anyone who uses them or has. Like I said, I’m now one of you! I suppose I’m just begging the question, are they helping or hurting?
