Dating sites VS Traditional dating

Lets look at the pros and cons…

Published 3rd Nov 2016
Last updated 23rd Nov 2018

Yes we’re there, the point where technology starts to replace the traditional methods of how we do things, for example a distinct lack of trips to the video shop because we’re tucked up on the sofa with Netflix. The same can be said for dating; first we had courting; then dating; and now we have dating websites. We know… dating sites and apps haven’t completely abolished offline dating but it has changed everything.

Lets look at the pros and cons…Dating sitesPro: Let’s picture the scene… you’re in a pub after work and a good looking guy or pretty lady catches your attention, what would you do? Continue dancing or stop to say hello? The second option is definitely more easily said than done. The fear of rejection suddenly becomes a pretty big deal and then there’s the uncertainty of whether that person is actually single.

With a dating site, it’s pretty clear everyone is there for the same reason – hopefully – so you bypass the ‘does she have a boyfriend?’ part pretty quickly and effortlessly.

Pro: Another plus to using a dating site is you get to read about each other first. Not only their profile but you can chat online to see if the conversation flows instead of realising that you don’t have anything in common during an expensive meal.

Con: When people think of online dating, the first thought is that they have to spend money - which we agree - is a valid concern. But, nowadays it’s simple to trial a dating site before you actually commit to paying. You can compare some of the main dating sites on news sites such as WhichDate to compare features and prices, but it does seem the cost of these sites does keep going up.

However, like Hallam FM Dating, there are a number of free-to-join sites, where you can create your profile and browse members with many. Let’s face it, offline dating costs even more every month with all the dinner dates and nights out.

Traditional dating Pro: Although you can see what someone looks like and chat to them online, you won’t be able to really know if you have chemistry until you meet them in person – we understand this completely.

When you meet someone at work or a friend of a friend you might suddenly get butterflies in your tummy and know there is something there. On a dating website it’s a bit different, those butterflies might first come with a message or phone call before meeting in person.

Con: Geography. Or, more likely being limited by geography. There is a boundary to the amount of friends and work colleagues we meet, and once you’ve ruled out all your friends odd work colleagues out it can be tricky to meet people.

Dating sites mean you can meet people outside of your usual friendship and work circles, expanding your area to find a date. All in all, you don’t have anything to lose by trying out a dating website so why not?

Try Hallam FM Dating free today.

For more advice head back to our dating section to read more of our dating tips and stories!