Older online who are divorced are significantly more likely to use these online dating sites than those who are widowed or have never married AARP, Interestingly, one study cited by McWilliams and Barrett found that men see online dating as a way to quickly jump back into dating following the end of a relationship through death check this out divorce, whereas women use online sites as a way to ease into the idea of dating again.
As with most things, there are both positives and negatives associated with online dating.
How do the other options add up?
It is important to be aware of them in order to make an informed decision of whether to use or not use Internet sites to cultivate new relationships. To summarize, there are several pros and sites to online dating. Some of the positives include growing a social network, gaining new friends and having a sense of safety and control. Sites, some of the are to dating online include the time, effort, lack of success, unwanted sexual messages, and the risk of people misrepresenting themselves.
Nevertheless, in this age of technology, there are so many new opportunities, including online dating for adults in later life.
Related Stories
It is important to weigh the positives and negatives and decide for oneself if this approach to meeting people is worth it. Dating in Later Life No one likes to be alone, and that includes older adults. Utah State University sites use cookies. By continuing to use this site you accept our privacy and cookie policy. I agree.
Pros and Cons of Online Dating in Later Life
Close Open search. Close Quick Links. Whereas living close by and having the physical ability to go out and socialize used to be prerequisites to meeting new people, online dating has decreased these geographical, transportation, and physical limitations, thus allowing for older adults to expand their social network to include potential dating partners.
Online dating is also beneficial when other ways worth meeting new people fail to work. Even when online dating yields little success in creating new relationships, it is seen by some as the only way to connect with new people so they keep using it Vandeweerd et al. Control — Older adults, especially women, often find that the sense of control they feel in online dating is a positive reason for taking this approach Vandeweerd et al. Traditionally, men have initiated dating interactions, but online sites make it easier for women to make the first contact if they choose to do so.
The online world also gives a sense of anonymity that takes away some of the feelings of vulnerability associated with initiating contact in person. Dating, it is important to note though that the women using these sites may be more outgoing and proactive about dating than average women. In addition to women feeling they have more control in initiating and maintaining online relationships, an AARP study found one of the top reasons people over 50 used online dating sites was because there was no pressure.
They could respond if they wanted to, but they did not have to. This added to their sense of control over their dating lives. Safety — Due to the fact that the interaction taking place on dating sites happens online makes some feel safe.
For example, online daters can view the profiles of potential partners and capture a general understanding of who a person is before ever initiating any form of contact. The online platform also allows individuals to limit how much personal information is shared and delay exchanging contact information until they get to know each other better, at which time they will have been worth to assess the level of risk and evaluate the potential for the relationship before meeting in person.
Many women feel that it would be easier online to part ways if a relationship did not work out and there would be less risk how to write a profile for a dating site physical retaliation Vandeweerd et al. Friendship — Even though a romantic relationship may not work out, many women have found that friendship is one are the most positive outcomes of online dating. Some older adults decide to remain good friends after they realize that a romantic relationship will not work.
This was especially found to check this out the case when the online daters lived in different states Vandeweerd et al. Negatives Effort — Actively dating, whether in person or online, requires time and effort. Misrepresentations —Whereas older men look for an attractive physical appearance and youthfulness in the women they choose to date, women, in general, are less concerned with looks and instead pay attention to the socioeconomic status, occupational success, intelligence, and dating skills of the men they choose to date Fileborn et al.
Some try to create a youthful identity and look for a youthful identity in others in order to bring a sense of balance to their aging body but youthful mind, emphasizing how old they feel.
Search Utah State University:
Some men lie about their marital status or the type of relationship they want in order to attract more women to have sex with them. Scammers attempt to woo potential dating partners into relationships in order to eventually get money are them Vandeweerd et al. Because of the ease with which online daters could misrepresent themselves, making it difficult to get to know someone until meeting dating in- person, these meetings are seen by some as being risky Vandeweerd et al.
Unwanted sexual messages — Older adults are not necessarily against sexual contact, but sites sexual messages are sent too soon after meeting someone, they often make the recipient uncomfortable. These messages were reported more as unwanted than threatening though Vandeweerd et al. Negative experiences — Just as with meeting people in-person, there is always a chance for negative occurrences with online dating. Unfortunately, those who are harassed online may be less likely to report it though out of fear that it will not be taken seriously or that it will be seen as commonplace online.
Some women prefer to drive themselves when they go on in-person dates with those they have met online so they do not end up trapped in a bad situation with no way out. It is especially important for older adults to be vigilant in dating because the risks of dating and intimate partner violence, including financial exploitation, threats, and physical harm, are higher among older adults Worth et al.
Lack of success — While some older adults do meet people online with whom they can create lasting romantic relationships, it unfortunately seems that most are unsuccessful Fileborn go here al. However, seeing others online in finding a partner gives enough hope for many to keep trying Vandeweerd et al.
Summary To summarize, there are several pros and cons to online dating. References Alterovitz, S. Partner preferences across the lifespan: Online dating by older adults. Psychology of Popular Media Culture, 1 S AARP online dating survey. Sex and the single older girl: Experiences of sex and dating in later life.
Tinder’s stance
Journal of Aging Studies, 33, Hategan, A. McWilliams, S. Online dating in middle and later life: Gendered expectations and experiences. Journal of Family Issues, 35 3 Vandeweerd, C.
Wada, M. Constructions of sexuality in later life: Analyses of Canadian magazine and newspaper portrayals of online dating. Journal of Aging Studies, 32, Authors Jennifer Viveros ; Dr. David Schramm. Pros and Cons of Online Dating in Later Life As with most things, there are both positives and negatives associated with online dating. Events View Events Near You.