The internet phenomenon that interests me is online dating sites. I suppose I find it interesting because I don’t understand the mindset nor expectations of the site users. Do users register once they’ve given up on “real-life” dating? Do they expect to find “the one” online? Doesn’t the fact that someone resorts to online dating lead to questions of self-worth or the worthiness of a potential mate? There are also issues of safety, what aspects users present of themselves, and if such information is true-to-life. I mean, people aren’t going to broadcast negative behaviors like “bites nails” on their profile when they’re trying to attract a date, even if they are bothersome enough to affect a relationship.
I believe (but don’t know for sure) that online dating sites have aspects of asynchronous chats since users can contribute to the site at any time, and it may be an extended period of time before anything comes of it. Users presumably can send messages to each other regarding their profiles and interests. Some profiles may generate high traffic whereas others can be lost in the dust, and discussion among people from various geographic areas can generate. Online dating sites were in existence when Wallace wrote this book, however usage has increased in recent years as the practice has become more socially accepted, probably thanks to movies like “You’ve Got Mail” touting its results, giving users hope that they’ll meet the next Tom Hanks or Meg Ryan.
1 comment:
I too am fascinated by the idea of online dating. Trying to find a life partner online seems like such a crap-shoot to me. First of all, one never knows if the information presented on the site is true, which brings up the question of deception. How do you know what age people really are, or what they look like (because few people are going to put up a picture of themselves on an average, unglamorous day)? In fact, how do you know that the person is actually a man or woman? When people log on to match.com or eharmony.com, they would normally trust the other members and not question the truth of their statements, which puts them in a very vulnerable position. Also, you bring up a good point when it comes to how people portray themselves. Nobody is going to mention their annoying or gross habits or list their pet-peeves, so how is it possible to really understand who a person is? Because while a man might be funny and intelligent, he may also have strong body odor or be very messy. So if you’re investing a lot of time in getting to know others over the internet before meeting in person, there is a chance that you will be shocked and disappointed in who the supposed man-of-your-dreams actually is.
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