ONLINE DATING
How Do Dating Apps Work in International Relationships?
International dating is in itself, a different kind of beast. If you think traditional face-to-face methods are challenging, then wait till you experience long-distance love.
But what makes international dating a lot more challenging than what you’re used to?
First things first, the culture gap. Couples with differing ideals can clash if they don’t know how to properly navigate the relationship.
Then again, differences in culture are the least of your troubles. Before anything else, there’s the HOW part. I mean, how do you expect two people who are from different parts of the world to even meet each other in the first place?
That’s where online dating apps come in.
They are designed to expedite the online dating process, which includes selecting possible matches, correspondence, and progressing through the stages of online dating before meeting up or entering into a romantic relationship. On top of that, they make online dating more convenient and accessible.
Online dating apps also offer a great deal of flexibility in customizing your dating preferences, including the ability to complete compatibility tests in order to discover your ideal partner.
Moreover, dating apps allow you to tap a larger pool of potential matches, so you can easily connect and find someone you vibe with. People can also specify details about themselves and their preferences, and choose whether or not to filter out searches. Further, it allows for the transparent disclosure of sexual orientation and preference, matching individuals with shared interests.
So how do dating apps work in international relationships?
Dating apps can help manage social anxiety in people who find physical interactions overwhelming. It offers a safe space for them where they can be free to express themselves. Because international dating is between two different people, dating apps bridge the gap between them, making most online interactions seamless and enjoyable.
They also provide a more gradual improvement of relationships as they begin online. Once a connection is formed between two individuals, it slowly transitions from texting or emailing to talking on the phone and then finally to meeting in person.
This slow and steady process makes dating more comfortable for people who are otherwise hesitant to engage in overseas dating, helping ease their anxiety.
Aside from that, dating apps also allow you to effectively pair up with someone who is compatible with your interests in life, even without personally meeting them.
What does this imply about online dating apps? Simple. When you meet people in real life, it is expected that you don’t know anything about them. Who knows if you’re even compatible? It’s like going in blind. Online dating apps fix that by allowing people to post their preferences and matching potential partners using algorithms.
People feel more at ease knowing that they are matched with someone who has similar interests and is searching for the same things as them. The pressure and difficulty of trial and error when it comes to compatibility is effectively removed by this.
But like everything else in the world, you’re going to have to take the bad with the good, and online dating apps are no exception. With that said, take note of how online dating can negatively impact your potential relationships.
Anonymity. If daters can choose to lay out their preferences for other people to see, there are also those who choose to remain anonymous. Even worse are those who use fake profiles to attract potential matches.
Ghosting. As easy as it is to find a match through dating apps, it is also as easy to ghost people. The fact that you’re talking to total strangers makes it easy to leave them hanging and move on to other matches without so much as a shred of guilt.
Online dating has come a long way from its humble beginnings. And with the development of online dating apps, finding a potential partner on the other side of the world has never been easier.
However, always remember that an app is just a tool to meet people. The effort and willingness to develop and build relationships still lie with the user — yourself. Your online dating experience is only as good as your knowledge in navigating the online dating space.
Reference:
Embark Behavioral Health. N.d,. The Psychological Effects of Online Dating for Young Adults.
https://www.embarkbh.com/blog/technology/the-psychological-effects-of-online-dating-for-young-adults/
Launder, Amy. n.d,. Relationships: How Are Dating Apps Affecting Our Connection With People? TheAwarenessCentre.
https://theawarenesscentre.com/dating-apps/
Northeastern University. N.d,. SAFER ONLINE DATING. What are some possible benefits of dating apps?
https://open.studentlife.northeastern.edu/safer-online-dating/
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