Online Dating is like Arranged Marriage: Part 1

Hate to break it, but it’s true. Online dating is very similar to an arranged marriage. This is only applicable to people who are trying to find a serious relationship through dating apps. Back in the day, during conservative times, a guy and a girl would see their significant other’s photograph provided by a family member. And that is how they would know who their life partner is. Or so it happened in Indian culture. Although trends have changed, many families still opt for arranged marriage over love marriage. Well, that’s because elders are elders, and they believe they can make the best decision for their kids. They are not wrong; after all, they want their children to be happy and prosperous. They would convince their child by emphasizing the similarities the two have in common. You might hear these parents starting off with education, job, hobbies. And the most critical part – height! Before you know it, they have already convinced you that this stranger is just like you, if not more; therefore, he/ she is the perfect match.

Meanwhile, most of the kids now are growing up thinking they know who the best for them will be. So, they take matters in their own hands – oh sorry, matters in the hand of an app. The best and the most trending app, of course, so one can browse as many people as possible. So now an app just like their parents gives them a list of people to chose from. One can set their filters and prioritize their preferences. They can see their profiles, obviously starting out with their photo. The first photo is everything; by the way, if it is worth it, all the other images will be browsed. Now, if the pictures are mesmerizing or even reasonable, one may begin browsing about them further and look into their education, job, hobbies. And the most critical part – height!

So the concept is the same; the purpose is the same – it is just that by using an app, it may seem like everything is in your control. But people will be people whether it is found by you or your parents or your relatives. Consider all the options with the same judgment. After all, you only need that one person to share your life with, so how does it matter how you found them?