Live Via Satellite?
- Wednesday, May 02 2012 @ 10:03 am
- Contributed by: Jet
- Views: 1,287
In general I consider myself pretty adept at keeping up with technology. If there’s a new browser out there, I’ll try it; I’m not averse to incorporating the technological world into my personal life, like online dating. But the other day I realized I have a blind spot when it comes to technology and dating.
I was discussing the perception of online dating and safety with a friend, talking about the usual safety tips for meeting in person, when she asked, “What about video chatting?” My mind was blown. I’ve only recently bought a web cam myself - back in the day it seemed silly, since most were grainy and delayed anyway. Now, however, you can easily have a real-time conversation, just like the “video phones” in futuristic sci-fi movies. Yes, what about video chatting?
On one hand, video chatting seems like the perfect happy medium for someone who wants to meet their potential match, but is nervous for the reasons of safety. With video chatting, you can at least ascertain that your potential match matches their profile pics reasonably well. You can try out your conversation skills. The “meeting” doesn’t have to last as long as an actual date; you’re not stuck for an evening with this person. And if you aren’t getting any creepy vibes or red flags, when you do meet in person you’ll be all the more relaxed and comfortable.
On the other hand, video chatting is still creating an unnecessary step in the middle of the dating process. While you can get a better idea of what someone’s like through video chatting, you still don’t truly know until you finally meet in person (just think of all the Hollywood actors who are told they’re “shorter” or “smaller” in person). And just like a still picture, some people just aren’t photogenic; their real charisma can only be felt in person. One can only assume chemistry works somewhat the same way; pheromones and other, unquantifiable reactions just aren’t as effective over a screen.
So do we need to include video chatting as an essential new step in the online dating process? Not necessarily. However, it’s a viable alternative to yet another email. And though it may seem silly (since you already have a profile picture), inviting a potential match to video chat can give an impression of confidence and bravery. Perhaps a webcam isn’t a bad tool to carry in your bag of tips and tricks.
I was discussing the perception of online dating and safety with a friend, talking about the usual safety tips for meeting in person, when she asked, “What about video chatting?” My mind was blown. I’ve only recently bought a web cam myself - back in the day it seemed silly, since most were grainy and delayed anyway. Now, however, you can easily have a real-time conversation, just like the “video phones” in futuristic sci-fi movies. Yes, what about video chatting?
On one hand, video chatting seems like the perfect happy medium for someone who wants to meet their potential match, but is nervous for the reasons of safety. With video chatting, you can at least ascertain that your potential match matches their profile pics reasonably well. You can try out your conversation skills. The “meeting” doesn’t have to last as long as an actual date; you’re not stuck for an evening with this person. And if you aren’t getting any creepy vibes or red flags, when you do meet in person you’ll be all the more relaxed and comfortable.
On the other hand, video chatting is still creating an unnecessary step in the middle of the dating process. While you can get a better idea of what someone’s like through video chatting, you still don’t truly know until you finally meet in person (just think of all the Hollywood actors who are told they’re “shorter” or “smaller” in person). And just like a still picture, some people just aren’t photogenic; their real charisma can only be felt in person. One can only assume chemistry works somewhat the same way; pheromones and other, unquantifiable reactions just aren’t as effective over a screen.
So do we need to include video chatting as an essential new step in the online dating process? Not necessarily. However, it’s a viable alternative to yet another email. And though it may seem silly (since you already have a profile picture), inviting a potential match to video chat can give an impression of confidence and bravery. Perhaps a webcam isn’t a bad tool to carry in your bag of tips and tricks.
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