Love in the age of the Internet, Facebook, and the like seems, it appears, to be increasingly influenced by electronic media. And it’s not just love—our entire lives are shaped by these new forms of communication. Many people benefit from various online dating services, matchmaking sites, and forums that focus on just one thing: love and finding a life partner. Numerous singles use new media and countless providers who promise to have the man or woman of their dreams in their database. In addition, they suggest they can filter out the right partner, which fuels the excitement among many singles and makes them willing to invest a euro or two in the process. But what’s the reality? In the age of the internet, Facebook, and the like, are there more happy couples, or are various platforms and so-called social networks putting existing relationships to the test? A U.S. study shows that even online dating sites are no guarantee of a happy future relationship and even warns against getting too carried away.
Cupid's arrow can strike anywhere
Many singles who’ve been searching for the right partner for ages—and even longer—are turning to the internet, Facebook, and the like. From online dating sites and singles portals to matchmaking services in Eastern Europe, providers have literally sprung up out of the ground like mushrooms in the summer. And yet, the majority seems to forget that there’s basically no surefire way to guarantee meeting the right partner online. After all, even decades ago, it was true that you can’t force love, nor can you choose where Cupid’s arrow will strike. Whether you’re running to the store around the corner, spending another pleasant evening at your favorite bar, or perhaps just taking your dog for a walk—Cupid’s arrow is always on the prowl and can strike wherever you least expect it. Desperate, endless searches for the man or woman of your dreams have already driven more than a few people to despair—and, on top of that, left their wallets a few euros lighter. Unfortunately, it’s precisely those people who, to this very day, are still struggling against the single life—and with very little success.
Pros and Cons of the Internet, Facebook, and Other Social Media for Romance
Like everything else in life, the internet and social networks such as Facebook, Twitter, and the like have both advantages and disadvantages that you should keep in mind in a wide variety of situations. If you’re in a relationship and don’t want to give it up, it’s advisable to be a bit more cautious with various new forms of communication, because your relationship wouldn’t be the first to fall apart because of them. Why the Internet, Facebook, and the like become a test of endurance for some couples:
- Jealousy is heightened
- Mistrust is growing
- People are easily influenced without realizing it.
- You'll meet lots of other singles who are looking for a partner
- The partner feels disadvantaged
- Social media, in particular, takes up a lot of time that you could be spending with your partner
So if you can at least keep your hands off it while you're together, you'll most likely be doing yourself a favor and avoid the occasional argument. However, if you're single, the internet and social media can certainly offer some advantages as well:
- Independence from time and place
- Meeting a large group of people increases the likelihood of finding a partner
- It's cheaper than going out regularly (especially on free platforms)
- Getting to know each other often happens naturally—you already know each other much better by the time you meet for the first time than you would with the “old way.”
- Especially if you're a single parent, this is often one of the very few options available
The question is, however, what actually causes many people to fail. A U.S. study seems to have the answer: Because many people don’t know what they’re actually looking for, don’t have a clear idea of what makes a suitable partner, or simply have standards that are far too high, love often doesn’t work out—both in real life and online! There’s a well-known old saying: “Think first, then speak”—perhaps this wisdom should be applied to this situation as well!
