Online Dating: Common Myths Debunked

It’s the year 2021, there have been 3 national lockdowns since March 2020 and the mental health of people all over the UK is declining. This is partly due to the lack of social interaction and loneliness that’s been caused as a result of social distancing and lockdown measures. 

*This is a collaborative post.

We’re social creatures; we’re built to be around other people – to laugh with them, to express our deepest emotions and, most meaningful of all, we are meant to fall in love. It is no wonder that people choose to search for their soulmate online, via dating websites and apps. If we have learnt anything through COVID-19 restrictions, it’s that chatting to people who have common interests and a similar sense of humour can elevate your mood and make you feel happier and far more positive. 

Strangely though, even in this day and age, there’s still a stigma that surrounds online dating.

It baffles me, if I’m honest, but some people still recite online dating myths like some kind of depressing mantra; trust me when I say, no one needs to hear this! So I’m here to discuss a few of the most common myths I have come across that relate to the world of online dating – and then I’m going to debunk them! 

If you are a fan of online dating, you’ve found the love of your life via dating apps, you’ve never done it but you want to try, or you’re new to it all and want some tips on how to stay safe and remain encouraged to pursue your search for true love, keep reading! 

Don’t forget you can share this article with friends and family if you think they might find it interesting.

Online dating is only for desperate people who haven’t found a partner or can’t find a partner in the traditional way.

Firstly, if this has ever been said to you, I am so sorry! It’s a ridiculous thing to say to anybody and can seriously impact a person’s self esteem, moreover, it isn’t even true! If anything, online dating is for those of us who want to find a connection with likeminded people, without having to kiss a load of frogs first. There’s nothing more disheartening then being set up on dates that lead nowhere – having things in common, being able to discuss interesting topics and ‘click’ is the key to forming a great relationship. Online dating allows people to express themselves, their interests, and their wants, all before any contact is even made. It’s a great way to ensure that you chat to people who are likely going to fit the criteria you’re looking for. What’s not to like about that?

Men aren’t interested in women over a particular age / online dating isn’t for middle aged or senior people

The amount of times I have heard that men aren’t interested in women over 30, or men aren’t interested in women with children is absolutely bonkers. When are we, as a society, going to drop the phrase “men/women aren’t interested in…”? It’s simply not true. In fact, there’s been a significant rise in the number of mature singles using dating apps and websites to help them find partnerships and friendships. This is because, as we age, it’s harder to get out there and meet people outside of our normal social circles who are at the same stage of life as us. One dating agency Kent singles have been really enjoying has taken the initiative and created an over 50’s service. Being able to use dating apps and websites that have an age restriction has been a godsend for many people who just want to come home from work after a busy day and connect to some like minded people. 

Online dating isn’t safe, in fact, you might as well be inviting danger into your life

I’ve written before about ways to stay safe when using online dating websites and apps. The truth of the matter is, if you use your common sense, you’ll be just fine. Dating agencies take the safety of their users extremely seriously and will regularly carry out automatic and manual profile checks. One of the advantages of online dating is, of course, that you can talk to your potential partner before meeting them. This gives you a great opportunity to question their motives and understand more about what they’re looking for. Ensure you keep all personal details to a minimum, avoid giving out any financial information and be ready to report anyone who’s acting suspiciously. You can brush up on all the common online dating scams, learn about fake profiles, and avoid malware software by visiting the adult dating patrol website.

Online dating is responsible for ‘hook up’ culture

This myth basically exists to stigmatise and shame anyone who chooses to use a dating app or website. The idea that online dating is ‘code’ for finding easy people to have casual sex with old-fashioned and unprogressive. We live in the digital age and so it stands to reason that using online dating is a positive step towards creating a happier, healthier society. It’s no secret that having someone to connect with is great for our mental health, and in a day and age where we are always so busy and the world can throw some serious curveballs our way, the ability to use online dating agencies to chat to other singles is a massive advantage. There’s even been research that suggests that marriages that come about via online dating are stronger and more stable than those that come as a result of traditional dating. So if you’re looking for a date in Kent, or anywhere else in the country, it’s well worth giving online dating a shot. 

Online relations are doomed from the start

One of the most common reasons I’ve heard that supports the myth ‘online relationships are doomed from the start’, is that people lie. Now I’m not saying that people who use online dating don’t lie, but I will say that I don’t think they are any more likely to tell a lie in comparison to those dating offline. The most common ‘lies’ that are added to single’s profiles are white lies, such as implying that their job is more successful, or that they’re taller/younger/slimmer than they really are. 

To put it plainly, there are so many myths that surround online dating, but the majority of them are all so far from the truth. Online dating can lead to amazing relations, new friendships, soul mates finding true love, and even marriage. So if you’ve been thinking about trying it, but worried about the stigma that has attached itself to online dating, I hope this blog post has given you the confidence to go forward with it all and create your online dating profile today!