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Online dating 101: A spotlight on OkCupid
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Sometimes, as busy young professionals in the city or hard working single moms and dads, it's difficult to find someone to date. OK, most of the time. Don't fret-despite the lack of time to meet someone or the lack of options available at work and the bar, there are other ways to meet singles in your area!
OkCupid (lovingly referred to as OkC by users), a free online dating site, offers members a plethora of ways to connect with an individual online. First, members create a profile with as little or as much information as they like. The profile is divided into sections with the usual "What I'm doing with my life" and "My Self Summary" sections, but OkC raises the bar with probing topics such as "The six things I could never do without" and "The most private thing I'm willing to reveal on here". Users also have the option of uploading multiple pictures of themselves, or none at all.
Users can browse through other members by indicating one or more search options including location, age, relationship status, ethnicity, and keywords. With a few clicks of the mouse I can instantly browse through the type of men I want to meet: single men, ages 22-30, who live in a 25 mile radius of Washington DC. This particular search engine makes it easy to find someone you are interested in without the hassle of browsing through profiles of 80 year old married men living in Australia (unless of course that's what you want!)
OkC has devised a matchmaking service that assigns users a percentage in three areas: Match, Friend, and Enemy. The percentage is based on how one answers a question in the "Improve Matches" category. The more questions you answer, the better the chance of finding someone you are a high 90-100% Match to. Match % is a very useful tool on Okc; often if a guy and I have under a 50% match I have found that we differ too significantly to try to force a relationship. Here's what the OkC staff has to say about their matchmaking services:
It’s also extremely accurate, as long as (a) you’re honest, and (b) you know what you want. We don’t claim to evaluate you perfectly, but we do claim to find someone who claims to fulfill your claimed requirements, exactly.
In addition to finding that special someone via search engine, OkC has come up with more entertaining activities such as thousands of user and staff created quizzes, much like the recent fad on Facebook. OkC also has a built-in IM application like Facebook, making it easy to chat with someone who caught your eye without having to give out personal details on how to reach you.
I've introduced numerous friends to OkCupid, many of whom found someone to go on a date with and a few who even found long term relationships. The biggest complaint I've heard from OkC users? Members of the site who refuse to meet in person. Remember to always exercise caution when meeting people from online but if you're going to sign up for an online dating site, take the leap and meet someone in person. Sure, he or she won't always be the guy or gal of your dreams, but in the process you could find a great friend and confidante or realize what qualities you you want in your significant other and what constitutes deal breakers.
Tell me the story of your online escapade; good or bad. You can email me at dduff@gwmail.gwu.edu or leave a comment below!
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