Online dating is a concept that has grown exponentially since the mid-2000s. The question is whether or not that is a good thing. Should we embrace online dating or shun it? As college students, online dating may seem like a ridiculous option to meet people, however, your 20's can only last for so long. 

Eventually, you may find yourself in a place where you need some companionship. Where else should you turn, but the Internet? According to statisticsbrain.com, there are roughly 54 million people in the United States. About 41 million have already tried online dating. Let that sink in. Almost everyone is experimenting with this new phenomenon. Will you be next? Take a look at the pros and cons before you go cannon-balling into the pool of virtual courtships.  

Pro: online dating is convenient. You don’t have to put much effort into online dating, until someone messages you. Then, all you have to do is type on your computer until you decide to actually meet each other in person. Then, you have to step away from your cocoon of isolation and force yourself to put on some real clothes. However, until that happens you can be blissfully lazy. Trying to meet people at a bar or club involves making plans with 2+ people, getting dressed up, possibly paying for cabs to and from the bar, and then working all night long to talk to the person that catches your eye. It is exhausting just to think about.

Con: you might get duped. Studies show that almost everyone lies on their online dating profiles. Women are more likely to lie about their body image, while men are more likely to lie about income and career. So take everything you see on those profiles with a grain of salt and don’t be bummed when you find out she is not a Victoria’s Secret angel, and he is not a rocket scientist. 

Pro: there is a dating site for, literally, everyone. Do you like spicy food? There is a dating site for you! Do you love Star Trek? There is a dating site for you, too! Are you a woman in federal prison? Have no fear, because you, too, can find love. 

Con: you might lose out on the fun of meeting people in person. The great thing about trying to meet someone the conventional way is that you make a lot of great memories while doing it. You can also make a lot of great friends along the way. When you are sitting on your couch, pining for love through the magical portal of the Internet, those opportunities are often missed. 

Pro: online dating can save you money. Woohoo! That is what we like to hear! With online dating, you won’t be spending every weekend at the club buying shots for $8 a pop. Also, according to mentalfloss.com, people who date online are likely to get married faster. With a reduced amount of time spent wining and dining, you will end up spending less money on date nights, versus people who meet the conventional way and spend about three to four years shelling out money for overpriced Warren Theatre movies. But let’s leave marriage out of this because we are all too young for that.

Con: online couples are likely to break up. Studies show that couples who meet online are likely to break up as their relationship progresses. On the flip side though, online couples who end up getting married are less likely to get divorced than married couples who met in person. Go figure.

Online dating is a relatively new system of courtship that has exploded across our nation. Do you want to join the world of online dating? Before you do, take a little time and think about the positives and the negatives.