In the digital age, we're more connected than ever. With the different forms of social media that are easily available at the click of a button, someone that is thousands of miles away from us doesn't feel like a distant stranger anymore. That distance has been shortened, and it's incredibly easy to stay in constant contact each and every day. With instant communication, it has also become possible to engage in online relationships. Although some may be in favor of it, online dating, to tell you the truth, just doesn't work, especially if you're someone who is seriously considering being in a relationship. Even though there are instances where people have certainly dated online, met their partners in person and have pursued successful relationships, I would say that they are the exception and not the rule. In my opinion, an emotional and physical attraction must exist for any kind of romantic relationship. What you see on your screen doesn't do these elements justice. Anyone can write anything behind the screen confidently, but it's entirely different if they were to talk to you face-to-face. Natural relationships undoubtedly must exist in person and in real life and so, using online dating as a way to eventually achieve that natural relationship is not the best because essentially, you don't really know that person yet. In my point of view, if you haven't met them, you don't know them. We've all been in situations where we have met someone for the first time and knew instantly whether we liked them or not. With online relationships, that's a bit harder to detect, because it's comparatively easier for someone to fake a persona online and project himself or herself in a certain way than it is in person. Online dating also tends to be very superficial. Tinder, for example, is entirely based on superficiality and looks are pretty much the only thing that determines whether you'll get that left or right swipe (unless you have too creative a bio that cannot be swiped left on). Relationships don't work successfully that way. Sure, Brad from Tinder has awesome hair and is really tall, but you may not vibe with his personality at all if you were to meet him in person. Personal attributes like mannerisms also make up a person, but they can't be seen through the screen. It's only something that becomes apparent in person. To add, people also exaggerate who they truly are online. If you appear to be chill and casual when you know yourself not to be all the time, then people are not getting to know the real you, in all your flaws and shortcomings.

All in all, everyone finds different ways effective for dating and having relationships. For some, online dating is a better option, while for others it isn't. To each their own. On the contrary, I believe that online dating is not the ideal way of engaging in romantic relationships for someone that's serious about finding a partner. Real, promising relationships require an attraction that can, with certainty, be established in person. If you have met the person from the outset, you are more likely to know if you would want to pursue a potential relationship, and you would avoid any of the misleading confusion that can happen with online dating.