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Just a Click Away
by Lindsay Kiliper and Brant Stacy, Jayplay writers
A year ago when Danny Sterling walked into a bar, he wasn't sure which girls were single and which girls were attached. He used to waste 30 minutes wooing a potential date, just to find out that she had a boyfriend. This weekly routine of wasted attempts at finding a date was frustrating for him. That's why Sterling decided to stay out of the bars and stay at home to try dating online.
Online dating has recently increased in popularity as more people prefer to meet their mates on their own schedule rather than wasting their time and money at a bar, according to an article by Katie Morris from letsmeetup.com. Whether you're hoping to find a romantic partner or purely seeking a friendship, online dating can be an easy and convenient way to find that special someone.
Many first timers may be nervous to stray away from conventional dating. Heather Karlin, KU alumna, began using online dating after she graduated because the bar scene was no longer a feasible way to meet a significant other. She was skeptical about meeting people online, but felt more comfortable after some of her friends introduced her to Jdate.com, a dating service for Jewish people. After several months using this Web site, Karlin established a long distance relationship with a man from Philadelphia, who is now her boyfriend. At first it was embarrassing because she thought online dating was cheesy, but she gave it a chance. "It's after you get into it that you can tailor it to your own preferences and know exactly who you are talking to," Karlin says. She thinks online dating can be successful depending on how much time a person wants to put into it.
While some users hope to find romance, others use online dating as a way to make friends outside of Lawrence. Sterling, Arlington Heights, Ill., senior, first began exploring online dating with the intention of hooking up, but now realizes that the remaining month until graduation is not enough time to begin a serious relationship. "Online dating actually takes up a lot of time," Sterling says. "It's sort of like regular dating: You have to put in the effort." He plans to move to California after he graduates and is currently using online dating to develop friendships before his move.
With a variety of dating services to choose from, each offering different benefits and prices, both Sterling and Karlin have found Match.com and Jdate.com to be the most beneficial. Membership for both sites costs around $20 dollars a month. These sites, along with other online services, allow you to post your picture and a personal profile, while also giving you the opportunity to take personality quizzes that help narrow your search for a compatible mate.
Though some enjoy the benefits of online dating, others still think old fashioned dating is the way to success. Dr. John Wade, psychologist for KU counseling and psychological services, suggests the best way to meet people is through shared activities such as clubs, class and meetings. After exploring these options, Wade suggests cautiously trying online dating, "I think for some people it's easier to be open and honest when they are anonymous," he says. "The disadvantage is you have no idea whether the other person is being completely honest."
way them imper- to-face dating. "If make it work," Karlin says.
— Lindsay Kiliper and Brant Stacy can be reached at kiliper@kansan.com and bstacy@kansan.com.