Dating sites are for people who have period breath.

[The Space Pope]

Took the words out of my mouth. No reason dating websites should be more frowned upon than any other method, if that's what people choose to do.

Except for the whole physical chemistry/pheromone/body language thing.

No matter how many videos or pictures you send, you will never be exactly what the other person expects you to be when and if you meet in reality. People tend to act a bit different online, sometimes in very subtle ways that can completely alter one's perception of them.

That being said, while I personally think it's an absolute last resort, though I just get hookers cause they're cheap and plentiful, I see no actual "problem" with online dating. I just find it a bit sad that we're taking the humanity out of humans, making personal interactions far less personal, etc etc, but that extends to texting and emailing and whatnot as well.

[Raistlin]

You have to start somewhere. Of course a lifelong relationship which only entails online communication is not as fulfilling, but something can progress from it. I've developed great friendships over the internet, and these people have turned out about the same offline as well.

I really hate the term "in real life" or "in reality." As if the internet is some fake world with fake people.

[Sephex]

Took the words out of my mouth. No reason dating websites should be more frowned upon than any other method, if that's what people choose to do.

Except for the whole physical chemistry/pheromone/body language thing.

No matter how many videos or pictures you send, you will never be exactly what the other person expects you to be when and if you meet in reality. People tend to act a bit different online, sometimes in very subtle ways that can completely alter one's perception of them.

That being said, while I personally think it's an absolute last resort, though I just get hookers cause they're cheap and plentiful, I see no actual "problem" with online dating. I just find it a bit sad that we're taking the humanity out of humans, making personal interactions far less personal, etc etc, but that extends to texting and emailing and whatnot as well.

I agree with that. While I do like the internet, it (along with other technology) does take the humanity out of things. While I am not against dating sites as I have said a few moments ago, I would much rather prefer to meet someone by chance in real life. My most meaningful and "successful" relationships came from women I just happened to meet.

As far as not knowing how a person is online v.s. real life, I don't really worry about that when meeting anyone off the internet for ANY reason because in my experience, the real them comes out on the first meeting, anyway. That's why I'll never get why people use "MySpace angles" or older pics of themselves. Do you honestly think that no one is going to notice that you look 30lbs heavier in real life? OR THAT YOU APPARENTLY NEVER BRUSH YOUR TEETH?! But that's another story...

[The Space Pope]

You have to start somewhere. Of course a lifelong relationship which only entails online communication is not as fulfilling, but something can progress from it. I've developed great friendships over the internet, and these people have turned out about the same offline as well.

I'm not saying it's impossible, but I see nothing wrong with growing a sack and walking up to a girl/guy and asking them out. Yes I know some people don't have relationships due to busy schedules but then again, if they didn't have time to meet someone, then they certainly wouldn't have time to date them.

I really hate the term "in real life" or "in reality." As if the internet is some fake world with fake people.

It isn't? Uh...look who you're talking to for a perfect example, and nobody ever lies about anything on the internet be it with photoshop or simply using a fake name and avatar. Also the whole concept of humor on the internet does not translate will into the real world. You can hate the term all you want but it doesn't make my point any less valid.

[Raistlin]

Did I say your point was invalid? You're disregarding what I'm saying in favor of what you think is "better." I'm not debating the merits of any specific method of dating or meeting someone, so you're attacking a nonexistant argument. I'm just saying that it is possible and there's nothing wrong with that.

People can be fake offline too, it's just easier on the internet. That doesn't mean that the people in front of the computers are fake or somehow matter less simply because they are doing someone online. People are still people.

EDIT: Also, you're picking a poor place to criticize meeting people online, consdering the number of lasting relationships that have developed here.

EDIT2:

...but I see nothing wrong with growing a sack and walking up to a girl/guy and asking them out.

You're making the baseless assumption that people who meet someone online would see something wrong with that.

[The Space Pope]

Did I say your point was invalid? You're disregarding what I'm saying in favor of what you think is "better."

And you're assuming. I understand what you've said quite clearly but I simply don't agree with it. And if call that disregarding then I don't know what else to tell you.

I'm not debating the merits of any specific method of dating or meeting someone, so you're attacking a nonexistant argument. I'm just saying that it is possible and there's nothing wrong with that.

Again, assumptions. I'm not "attacking", I responded to you saying it's just like any other method of meeting people when it clearly is not.

People can be fake offline too, it's just easier on the internet. That doesn't mean that the people in front of the computers are fake or somehow matter less simply because they are doing someone online. People are still people.

Irrelevant semantics. Having a 'fake' attitude and having a fake identity altogether are worlds apart.

EDIT: Also, you're picking a poor place to criticize meeting people online, consdering the number of lasting relationships that have developed here.

More irrelevance. The difference between here and say, match.com is that this site isn't intended for dating, if it happens then great. But actively looking for love online is a bit desperate or at the very least lazy any way you slice it.

You're making the baseless assumption that people who meet someone online would see something wrong with that.

No, I made a fairly accurate opinion that people who typically look for love online have even admitted to not being good with relationships in reality, are anti-social, nervous, etc. And alot of those types admit it, so again, you can call it baseless, but it wouldn't make you correct, human.

Also, point out where I said that those types "would see something wrong" with what I said. Though yeah when you get down to it I believe that many of those people do in fact have a problem with doing what I said, otherwise they'd have a date by simply walking up to someone and striking a converssation up. You act as if there's no big differences between randomly chatting up a girl on myspace or whatever and doing the same in a park somewhere, so why's it so hard for people to do the latter?

[Raistlin]

You act as if there's no big differences between randomly chatting up a girl on myspace or whatever and doing the same in a park somewhere...

I never said anything remotely like that. My only point is that either way, you're still talking to a real person, and it should be viewed as such.

The difference between here and say, match.com is that this site isn't intended for dating, if it happens then great. But actively looking for love online is a bit desperate or at the very least lazy any way you slice it.

But the one proves that the other is perfectly plausible. What about people who have trouble talking to strangers in person? What about people who have tried dating in person and had trouble? What about people who are trying to find a relationship both offline and online, and are just being open to anything? It seems like you're casting a wide, sweeping judgment on all dating activity which starts over the internet.

[The Space Pope]

It's pretty obvious we're not going to agree on this so I will leave it at this because srs posting is totally gay: while I do believe that yes, it is possible to find love online, I don't see it as probable or as good of an option as "traditional" methods. As I said in my original post, I don't have a problem with what others do, but personally I view it as an act of desperation and/or laziness. Too shy? Too bad, that's a copout excuse. I was shy as hell but one day I woke up and stopped caring about what the world thought of me. It's not hard.

[Freya]

No, I made a fairly accurate opinion that people who typically look for love online have even admitted to not being good with relationships in reality, are anti-social, nervous, etc. And alot of those types admit it, so again, you can call it baseless, but it wouldn't make you correct, human.

Wait, who admitted that?

I can say a majority of people admit to hating cheese but it doesn't make it true. It could just be the people that I asked. roffle waffle.

Just saying, I don't hear big campaigns on how people are social inept talking about dating sites. So I don't understand where you got the notion of "people who look for love online have admitted". Where are you getting this that they admitted it?

[The Space Pope]

Wait, who admitted that?

Having been on a few forums prior to this one, in many different forms and entities, I've seen endless threads in which people discuss this very same subject and many people who date online will post something about "oh I'm too shy" or "I just give up" or what have you. Plus, look at the ads for some of those sites, you can tell that's their target audience with slogans such as "can't find love? are you always lonely?" I'm sorry but I find it incredibly hard to believe that anyone with an iota of self esteem would have a hard time meeting someone outside. Unless you like, live in the boonies or something where you're isolated, then I can see online dating being a viable choice.

[Freya]

I'm sorry but as a society as a whole, we don't project people to walk up to someone and tell them they find them attractive.

I'm shy but you wouldn't know it. I've had my share of boyfriends that I met through "real life" means. Doesn't mean they are better or worse than people I could meet online. In fact a lot of people tend to sway to the online means because the people they do walk up to and hit tend to turn out to be d-bags.

At least with the online dating you have basically a bigger coffee shop to meet someone in so you can be a little more or a little less picky.

I think negative Nancy just needs a love interest =3

[The Summoner of Leviathan]

Took the words out of my mouth. No reason dating websites should be more frowned upon than any other method, if that's what people choose to do.

Except for the whole physical chemistry/pheromone/body language thing.

And this is why if the person is of interest, you actually go and meet them. Dating sites function as a means to meet people with common interest in your area. If I actually had a cup of coffee or a drink with every guy I ever chatted to, that'd amount to a lot of money I don't have. Basically, you chat a bit to the person then you meet them if both parties are interested. That's where you get the body language and stuff. If things turn out good, then you go on more dates. If not, that's that.

[LunarWeaver]

The best solution is for your parents to decide who is best for you and make you marry them at 18.

[Yar]

The best solution is for your parents to decide who is best for you and make you marry them at 18.

You and I both know that's a bad idea because all they do is pick girls anyway.

[The Summoner of Leviathan]

The best solution is for your parents to decide who is best for you and make you marry them at 18.

You and I both know that's a bad idea because all they do is pick girls anyway.

That's why you have the love affairs.