Admit it, dating is not an easy feat in general. As adults, we only have limited options to find someone who shares our common interests. Not to mention that the dating that we once knew is being reshaped by different factors such as modern technology, millennial domination, sexual orientations, and even the pandemic. Finding the one in today’s time can be a bit of a challenge.
But, while we can’t control or anticipate such changes, there are still ways you can pursue your quest for finding your true love!
And that is through online dating.
Online dating may not be a new thing for most people, but it is often overlooked by the majority. Little do they know that online dating has become increasingly popular in the past few years, closing the gap between people across the globe. It’s especially convenient for people who want to find and develop a relationship with someone new.
While there are online dating sites and applications that cater to users of all types, there are still dating platforms intended for specific people, interests, and/or sexual preferences. This blog will delve deep into the different types of dating sites available on the internet right now. Plus, if you are running an online dating platform or app, read on to know the best way to help people fall in love online!
What Platform Matches You?
As mentioned, dating sites have several different versions. There are tons of remarkable dating sites and applications to choose from over the web. Whether you want to meet new people, have friends abroad, delve into casual dating, or find the right one with whom you can spend the rest of your life, the internet has it all in store for you.
The first thing you need to do is to have a concise notion as to which type of dating site you’re signing up for if you want to find a compatible match. That said, here’s an overview of six types of dating platforms that you can choose from:
1. General Online Dating Sites
General online dating sites are dating sites that cater to general audiences. These online dating sites or apps hold the greatest market share among other types of online dating services. Sites like Tinder, Bumble, Match.com, and Facebook Dating are few examples of online dating sites that encompass general audiences.
These sites allow their end-users to gain complete access to the site’s member database where they can browse or search any profile they want to view. Aside from allowing users to customize how they do their profile browsing, additional features include tests, quizzes, polls, and surveys to help members find the perfect person of their preference.
Say, a user takes on a personality test. After answering the test, the dating site’s system will then collect all the necessary information to find a match based on the user’s answers. After processing the answers, the dating platform will recommend people that might be on that user’s checklist for ideal partners.
2. Serious Relationship Dating Sites
Remember the times when meeting a person you met on an online dating platform felt kind of awkward? Remember when your subconscious mind constantly tells you that it is dangerous to meet a stranger? Yes, those were the days.
Today, as the new generation along with the ever-progressing technology gradually takes over, meeting online is a rather normal day.
Serious relationship dating sites are well—you’ve guessed it—online dating sites that accommodate people who are searching for serious relationships or “marriage-level” relationships online. Examples of dating sites meant for serious relationships are OkCupid, Zoosk, AsianDating, and Tagged.
To make this possible, users don’t have access to all profiles, unlike general dating sites. Rather, to make things accurate and true to the user’s intent, the dating platform requires users to fill in an in-depth personality profile. The member’s answers will serve as the determining factor of what type of people will most likely be compatible with the user. That’s the time when they get access to that particular profile.
Just like in general dating sites, users are prone to several scamming schemes. Usually, these scammers are working for one big organization that uses dating sites to execute their heinous crimes. They use real people to trick users rendering them invisible to the eyes of moderators. Sometimes, when someone finally took the bait, the scammer will convince that user to switch to closed communication channels such as Facebook messenger or even through text and emails where they can continue draining that user’s wallet and accounts dry.
3. LGBTQ+ Dating Sites
This can’t be stressed enough, but dating or developing a relationship is not exactly a cakewalk. Even more so if you are a member of the LGBTQ+ community. If you are a part of the LGBTQ+ community, chances are, you’ve only got a few channels and options to use in finding the perfect match. With online dating, however, the slim chance of not meeting someone diminishes significantly as it allows you to delve yourself into an atmosphere where you can find people with your same romantic preferences.
LGBTQ+ dating sites, also known as queer dating sites, are dating communities all-inclusive to members of the LGBTQ+ community. Studies suggested that 56% of LGBTQ+ singles have dated people they met online. This number alone proves that online dating is not only for straights and straight-straights; and that there’s always room for people with different sexual preferences. Some of the most popular queer dating apps are Grindr, Her, Jack’d, and Lex to name a few. Even Instagram is now a contender for these renowned websites.
Just like any other online dating apps and platform, queer dating sites offer features that enable their users to find their perfect match by allowing them to browse particular profiles, fulfill quizzes and polls, or find someone based on their interests and hobbies.
4. Interracial Dating Sites
Some people prefer to date someone outside their race. In fact, as of 2020, approximately 7.53 million married couples in the United States alone were of Hispanic origin.
That is why if you think that you’re the only one whose dating preference lies outside your own race. Well, guess you’re wrong. There are numerous individuals today who prefer to seek interracial love.
Fortunately, there’s a myriad of dating sites and apps that are all-inclusive to people who are searching for interracial relationships available on the internet at present.
These platforms enable users to seamlessly search and find singles who are interested in interracial relationships as well. Users can foster an atmosphere where like-minded individuals create lasting connections with one another. Some notable examples of interracial dating sites are InterracialMatch, Interracial Romance, AdultFriendFinder, and the very popular eHarmony.
With these kinds of online multiracial dating platforms knowing people outside your own race is made easier. There may be in-app purchases included in some of these apps, but you don’t have to worry about it as it still allows users to use the free-to-use option to get started.
5. Interest Dating Sites
Interest dating sites or niche dating sites are dating sites intended to connect people with the same interests. These are sites and apps that offer online dating services exclusively to people with common hobbies, passions, and/or beliefs.
Take Veggiedate, for example: This niche dating site is for people who are vegetarian and are fond of vegan alternatives. Another is Trek Passions, where people can talk about all things Star Trek and SciFi!
The site’s end-goal is to bridge the gap between users by allowing them to talk about or do the things they love in common. If you find conventional dating the thing of the past, then niche dating might match your dating choices.
6. Social Media
Some might say social media is not intended for dating.
Well, they are right—and wrong at the same time.
Aside from connecting people to other people across the globe, social media has become one of the best avenues to develop romantic relationships. October 2019 data showed that 48% of social media users in the United States have used social media to share and discuss things about dating life.
Admit it or not, you’ve once tried using your Facebook to stalk your crush or that new hottie you’ve recently been introduced to just to see whether they’re in a relationship or not.
Aside from easy-to-use and accessible user interfaces, social media provides users full access to its member database. It also allows users to create closed groups for speed dating, and even seamlessly message someone they stumble upon while scrolling their newsfeed. All of these options are for free!
Hey, Wait up! Slow down!
After finding out which is the suitable dating platform for you, perhaps you must be psyched to start mingling ASAP. But, hang on, you might want to slow down a bit. Put that phone down for a moment. We know you’re excited but you need to be cautious before delving right into online dating!
Did you know that there are still possible risks in online dating?
You read it right!
Remarkable as it may seem, dating sites have their own drawbacks as well. Some can be very dangerous if you don’t have enough knowledge about how these dangers take place.
Yes, we are talking about trolls and frauds.
Since you can’t really see people physically, there are several ways trolls can take advantage of you. They can be very bothersome, disturbing, and abusive especially to those who are part of the LGBTQ+ community and interracial relationships. They will mock and insult them using sexist, homophobic, racist, and other hurtful words that can offend them on a personal level.
If you are not a dating site user but rather a dating site owner, inappropriate user-generated content can pose a threat to your online dating platforms when not addressed immediately. It can escalate the situation and cause major nuisance not only to the credibility of your dating site but also to your members. Some of the alarmingly increasing number of suicides by LGBTQ+ members are caused by excessive cyberbullying. Aside from the stigma, failed relationships also hurt just as much in online dating. It becomes worse when a user falls prey to a catfish. Fake lovers tend to lure their victims deep into their maze of superficial feelings and unreal personas that once the truth is out, catfished individuals end up suffering from depression due to the trauma.
Other scammers and hackers even take it as far as draining your accounts dry through different types of identity theft. It is saddening to know that this kind of virtual robbery is prevalent in most online dating sites. And it can happen anytime, without warning. That is why it is a must for online dating platform owners to make immediate actions to alleviate the emergence of these pesky trolls and scammers. The last thing you want to do is to leave your members with a broken heart and an empty hand.
Help People Fall in Love with Moderation
In essence, online dating platforms won’t work out if the owner doesn’t have prior knowledge of the darker side of the internet. Sure, dating platforms are a great avenue to connect people across the globe, but there are still people who are hell-bent on injecting toxicity and other unwanted practices into the online dating scene.
So, the question is: How can you help people fall in love safely using moderation?
Take a look at this scenario:
A desperate man is seeking true love on your online dating platform. But, instead of true love, he met a fake persona. The man took the bait and the fraud took advantage of him. It was all too late for him to realize that he got scammed.
The scenario above can leave a huge impact not only on the user but also on your dating site as well. He was heartbroken and so his loyalty and trust in your site dissolved at the same time.
To help people fall in love online, you need a safe dating platform. But fake profiles, offensive multimedia, and other ill-fitted content are just a few reasons for a user to find a safer site where they can meet genuine people.
Using advanced moderation, however, can help you solve all your dating site moderation-related dilemmas. With the right mix and match of AI and human expertise, it is easier for you to control and monitor all incoming content created by your users, helping you prevent the emergence of discrimination and other conflicts among users (especially to the LGBTQ+ community and interracial couples).
Moreover, moderation allows you to get rid of deceitful profiles through different filters and text recognition technologies to help determine whether a profile is genuine or just a troll hiding in plain sight. This greatly improves the dating experience of all your members. With a trusty moderation system in place, you create a safe environment where your virtual daters can mingle all day long.
Your Quest for True Love Resumes!
Conventional dating is not yet dead.
But during these times, it is safe to say that online dating is the best option we’ve got. Online dating is here to stay. In fact, it’s constantly growing by the minute.
Along with advancements of online dating apps and sites are the emergence of online threats that can scare away your virtual daters. Knowing the know-hows on controlling and monitoring them is paramount to ensure that online dating site owners are delivering a more secured and immersive dating experience to users.
Modern online dating is altering the very foundation of every person’s romantic lifestyle (in a good way). With a more diverse space for every human to find their true love, it is thrilling to see what the future of online dating has in store for everyone.
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