I'm curious to read your opinions on internet "dating" sites (e.g., eHarmony, Christian Mingle, etc.)?
Are they biblical? Should Christians use them? Any other opinion(s) about them?
Internet "Dating" Sites
Discussion in 'Other Discussions' started by ktn4eg, Jan 3, 2012.
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I know of numerous good Christian couples who did use them and are happily married and in ministry right now. I think if you are careful, just like anything, they can be good and bad.
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I would not recommend married people going to the site :saint:
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Internet dating sites received a bad rap when they first came on the scene. However, they are becoming more and more acceptable in an age where almost all of a person's socializing is done online (facebook anyone? (baptistboard anyone?)).
The problem inherent with dating websites, as well as the internet as a whole, is that people tend to be different online than they are in person. They hide behind the anonymity of the internet, and put forth their best foot. Also, since there is a delay between people interacting, it is easier to keep up a facade than if you were in person.
I do not condemn dating sites by any stretch of the imagination. However, I strongly caution anyone using them against making an emotional connection with anyone they have not met with in person, and spent time with in person. (Think Cyrano de Bergerac!) -
Internet dating can be fatal. There was a woman who "met" a man on simple bingo program in 2000. He came to her house in Texas and killed her. Yes, he was caught and convicted, but the woman remains dead.
Beware of even innocent sites, like the BB.
Cheers,
Jim -
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I suppose they can be just fine if one is very cautious. I did a story on them once so my poor hubby got to watch me go onto dating sites. HA! I'd have to say that the sites themselves seem okay, but a lot of those people scare me! Yeah, the Christian way to find a date is to talk about how much you like BUBBLE BATHS! With all these people considering bubble baths as their favorite thing to do, it's a wonder the stores can keep it stocked. LOL
And Christian means anything on those sites. LDS, Baptist, JW, Catholic, or even "I remember going to church once on Christmas when I was three."
And I agree about being careful even on the BB. Will never forget how one latched onto a friend I brought here and dragged her down into his nasty sinful life, all the while posting and sounding holy and righteous.
Then there's the true crazy people of the BB. I always said that if I ever remarried, it would be to a somewhat balding guy in his forties (there seriously is something about that age and look that is VERY attractive!) and out he popped and here we are married.
He hasn't killed me yet. He still might though. I'm always leaving him dishes to wash. I'll let you know if he does, but so far, so good. Best thing that ever happened to me, but then again, it's all fine and dandy until they start feeling stabby. :smilewinkgrin: -
Scarlett O. ModeratorModerator
I don't personally use them ..... but that's just me. I would advise EXTREME caution when talking to anyone on the internet, even the BB. I have two friends and one acquaintance who did not have a good experiences with these sites. The reality of meeting each other and having to form a "real life" relationship just didn't live up to the computer relationship. And these people had exchanged pictures (real pictures) and had talked on the phone multiple times.
With that being said - I wouldn't blanketly say that they are all terrible.
To each his or her own. -
We have a couple in our church who met on eharmony. He is very shy and quiet. They have been married a few years now and seem very happy together.
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Crabtownboy Well-Known MemberSite Supporter
I would not! -
Sure, I might be looking for a friend. Say I want to play basketball - so I find Bill,
I want to have a study buddy for an English class, so I contact Stephanie
I want to visit an antique display, so I meet Ann.
But all these are just a small bit of time in my life.
But when it comes to a lifetime partner - you need to have many common interests - and those can be found/discussed on the net.
When two people just happen to meet in person, they often just see one thing in common or he thinks she is cute, ect.
By meeting on the net a couple can learn much about each other first..... -
I have been on a list for maybe 15 years with members all over the world. I have a half dozen eyeball to eyeball, all first class humans. Unlike BB and the big theology list, none of us have an axe to grind.
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I know one couple who met online and are very happily married expecting their sixth child. Then I have a girlfriend who didn't have a very good experience. The man she dated was fine - very nice and nothing wrong with him, but their relationship kind of went nowhere. I think they had different expectations and wanted to move at different paces and it all wasn't very clearly expressed by either side. After they broke up she ended up meeting somebody at church and is now happily married. No matter what, ALWAYS be careful and never meet the first time alone with the other person and always meet in a public place til you know what's what.