Although a recent study conducted by Pew Research Center’s Internet Project showed that online dating had become more reliable in recent years, University students aren’t as quick to accept these sites and apps as all they’re cracked up to be.
This study shows 11 percent of American adults have used online dating sites or mobile dating apps, and 38 percent of those adults are single and looking for a partner. It also shows that online dating is most common among Americans in their mid-20’s through mid-40’s.
“Not everyone is social enough to meet someone in the real world, so I think online dating gives them that outlet to meet someone,” said political science junior Jordan Lizana.
However, even though accepting opinions of online dating have increased, many people still have negative experiences with this process. The study shows that 54 percent of online daters felt that they have been “catfish’ed,” or that someone else has seriously misrepresented themselves in their profile.
Keigan Duckett, kinesiology junior, has had a negative experience with a mobile dating app called Tinder. This app connects to your Facebook account and allows you to view a profile of friends of friends within your area and people who share common interests with you.
“The guys on there are just creepy,” Duckett said. “Even though it is supposed to connect you with people who go to LSU, I have run across a couple instances where they did not and never did, and they were just lying to connect with college girls.”
Similarly, not everyone is particularly fond of online dating services.
“I think online dating at LSU isn’t necessary nor do I think a lot of people use it,” said mass communication junior Jared Joseph. “The school has 30,000 students and there are new people to meet every day.”
Even though not all students are completely happy with online dating, some students have been able to form strong relationships with other University students through these same online sites and apps.
“I personally built friendships and relationships at LSU through social media sites, and they are successful,” said political communications junior Meredith Bell.
Adults who use online dating sites are more likely to go out on dates with people they met online compared to the last study conducted eight years ago.
Results from the study in 2005 showed that 43 percent of online daters have gone on a date with someone they met through an online dating site or app. This year’s study showed a 23-percent increase to 66 percent.
The study also shows that more people are using the Internet to flirt and check up on people they used to date. About 24 percent of Internet users have searched for information online about an old flame and have flirted with someone online. This is especially true for users between 18 and 24, in which 47 percent of those users flirt online, according to the study.
With social networking sites such as Instagram and Facebook becoming more common among college students, the study shows that more young adults are using social media sites to build dating relationships.
“Instagram in my opinion has defintely become the go to social media site for LSU students to find their next crush or fling,” said public relations junior Elizabeth Moss.
“Not everyone is social enough to meet someone in the real world, so I think online dating gives them that outlet to meet someone.”