On-Line Dating

Essay # 102230

Communication > Interpersonal
Computer and Technology > Internet
Psychology > Social

This paper explores issues of identity, perception and autonomy in the popular trend of developing romantic relationships via the Internet.

2,700 words () | 4 sources | APA | 2008 | United States

Published on: Mar 20, 2008

Paper Summary:

This paper explains that the term used for computer interaction is referred to as computer-mediated communication (CMC). The author points out that, through CMC, many individuals establish platonic and romantic relationships using websites such as Facebook.com and Match.com. The paper relates that CMC offers an alternative to traditional dating, excluding time restraints and physical proximity. The author applies symbolic interactionist theory in that online profiles are created to attract potential partners by consciously adding positive attributions regarding personality and physical appearance, which are governed by the expectations of what other individuals and society constitutes as attractive. The paper stresses that, without a physical presence, on-line dating is reduced to predominantly textual exchanges, missing body communication, which makes it nigh impossible to detect truth from lie.

From the Paper:

"Everyone I 'talked' with on-line wanted to know what I looked like and if I had any photographs or a video camera. It seems likely that members were predominantly interested in what their potential partner's aesthetic qualities are - they wanted to assess whether they found the other person attractive or not. Even through online dating, we like to think we've nabbed someone who is considered a good catch; sort of physicality is apparently imperative when dating online, giving the relationship a grounding point. Virtual reality can perhaps be seen as dependant on some aspect of physical reality."

Sample of Sources Used:

Arvidsson, Adam. (2006). 'Quality Singles': internet dating and the work of fantasy. New Media & Society, 8, 671-690.
Cooper. Pamela. J. & Galvin, Kathleen. M. (2006). Making Connections: Readings in Relational Communication. Fourth Edition. Los Angeles, CA: Roxbury Publishing Company.
http://www.match.com/
Yurchisin, Jennifer. (2005). An Exploration of Identity Re-Creation in the Context of Internet Dating. Social Behavior & Personality: An International Journal. 33, 735-750.