Online dating has its pros and cons, meta-analysis says
News from Washington Post:
Social scientists have confirmed what most singletons have known for years: Online dating is a crapshoot.
A new analysis of 400 academic studies explores whether online dating represents a dramatic shift in the way people seek mates (it does) and whether it is ultimately a good thing for daters (eh . . . sorta).
The nearly 200-page report, published Monday in the journal Psychological Science in the Public Interest, found that the main advantage that dating Web sites offer singles is access to a huge pool of potential partners. But the sites also reduce daters into two-dimensional profiles and often overwhelms them with potential choices.
Some sites claim to have developed scientific algorithms that can help people find soul mates, an assertion the study’s five authors say is not possible and could be damaging.
“Online dating is good. I’m very, very glad it exists. It gives opportunities to singles who otherwise wouldn’t have them,” says Eli J. Finkel, an associate professor of social psychology at Northwestern University and the study’s lead author. “The problem is that the way online dating is implemented undermines some amount of its goodness.”
People have always needed help looking for love. Parents and village elders used to play matchmaker. As people became more self-reliant and transient, they turned to singles ads…………… continues on Washington Post
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A guide to safe online dating
News from ABC Technology and Games:
Here’s an online dating-themed fact sheet to help those looking for love avoid a broken heart, a broken computer or a dwindling bank balance this Valentine’s Day.
Online dating is on the up and it’s easy to see why. It’s a convenient alternative for the time poor and opens a whole different world of possibilities, making it a great option in the quest to find that dream date.
Before Cupid prepares to shoot his arrows, take a few safety precautions to avoid a broken heart, a broken computer or a dwindling bank balance.
Start with an open mind and a secure device
Before you begin looking for love, it’s important to prep your computer or device so it’s as secure as can be.
Install anti-virus and firewall software on your computer or device and run regular updates and scans.
If you’re using a device that your whole family has access to, consider creating a separate login for your use only.
Browsing at home? Make sure your wireless network is secure. If you’re out and about, be cautious when using public WiFi or an Internet cafe as your risk of theft and fraud is increased.
Remember to always log out of dating sites and never save your password when using a public terminal.
Go for the popular types
Just as you’d carefully consider a new love…………… continues on ABC Technology and Games
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