Technology plays a pivotal role in communication between two parties. There has been a tremendous transformation in dating due to the changing mode of communication. Traditional and online dating are two aspects that derive their meanings from the mode of communication. For example, traditional dating involves face-to-face communication. In this case, both parties must meet each other and converse verbally. On the other hand, online dating involves the use of online platforms to communicate with each other. Both traditional and online dating has its benefits as well as drawbacks. For example, traditional dating builds confidence among the parties because both the parties communicate face-to-face (Naji Bajnaid & Elyas, 2017). However, communication may take time because the parties must physically meet to have a conservation. On the other hand, online dating is the modern form of dating because individuals can date regardless of the long distance between the two parties. However, the two parties may have low confidence with each other because they cannot see body language during the communication.

The 21^st century came with an advanced way of dating. In the traditional form of dating, people had to meet and fix a date for the next meeting. In this regard, the parties did not have any other option but to discuss and share during physical meetings. Sometimes it was a challenge because one party would miss turning up on the meeting date (Schmitz, 2016). There were many inconveniences. For instance, delays could lead to a misunderstanding between the parties. Traditional dating could not enhance unity and peace between the two parties. People could engage in conflicts due to lack of trust.

Traditional trading was convenient for people living around each other. Location plays a cardinal role in building the relationship between two parties. On the other hand, online dating uses social platforms that enhance communication between two parties who are far apart. For instance, online dating can take place between two parties in different continents. Some of the social platforms that the partners can use for communication include Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn. People can use these online platforms to share pictures and information (Schmitz, 2016). It is also important to note that online dating requires the use of devices that support social media platforms. For instance, an individual must have a smartphone to install the necessary apps as well as use browsers to access the websites of the social sites.

Online date involved searching of the partners. People meet through online social platforms and connect with others. After searching for many people online, an individual will choose one person to date. For example, he or she can use an image as a factor that determines an individual to engage. On the other hand, traditional dating did not involve searching through online platforms. Instead, an individual could attend public social gatherings to meet new people to date. In this case, striking a conversation with a stranger was a major challenge. Sometimes people fear to engage in dating because they do not want to associate with strangers. In addition, the success of traditional dating is minimal because of the embarrassment and awkwardness portrayed by one of the parties (Naji Bajnaid & Elyas, 2017). Online dating makes it simple because an individual can easily browse the personal profile of other potential partners. In this case, there is no coercion to date one another. Both the partners can agree on the terms of dating and choose on time to interact online. The emotions between the two partners facilitate the relationship. On the other hand, there is usually excitement encountered at the first meeting of dating.

Traditional and online dating share selectivity because of both other select whom to date at that time. For instance, online dating use profile details such as the actual name, profile photo, and age. In this regard, people can make their selection based on the qualities of the partners. However, the only disadvantage in online selection is that the partner does not depend on the physical attributes of the opposite partner. Online dating also involves asking questions to evaluate the qualities of a person and make a decision of whether to date or not. On the other hand, traditional dating gives an individual a chance to select from many people (Rosen, Cheever, Cummings & Felt, 2008). In this case, an individual will use physical features before making a decision. For example, both parties will evaluate the height, color, and size. Sometimes online dating does not work when the two parties meet with each other. They find that physical qualities are not what they apprehended. Even though an individual can sound interesting through chats, the decision of the partners can change when they meet. It is also worth noting that traditional dating allows an individual to learn the other partner for some time and make other future discoveries.

Communication success is central for both traditional and dating. However, it is challenging to communicate successfully in online dating. For instance, both parties are likely to misunderstand each other. Most of the information shared is always distorted, and an individual can misconstrue the information. Also, it does not support the use of body language; however, communication is based on the ability to comprehend or decode the information shared through social platforms. On the other hand, it is easier to understand each other in traditional dating. The parties engaged in traditional dating communicate with each other verbally and clarify issues for the benefit of each other. In addition, traditional dating builds confidence because an individual is sure that he or she is dealing with the real person (Rosen, Cheever, Cummings & Felt, 2008). They can also evaluate each other by observing body language during communication. In this regard, all of them will feel satisfied, and every party feels satisfied. It is also important to note that an individual can inquire about the partner from close relatives and friends. As a result, there is a minimal exaggeration in traditional dating. However, exaggerations by the partners in online dating make the relationship unsuccessful.

In respect, there are differences between traditional and online dating. Both forms of dating have benefits and drawbacks. For instance, traditional dating builds confidence between the partners because they can evaluate each other from the physical qualities and communication cues. An individual can select the partner based on the physical factors that he or she can see. On the other hand, online dating involves the use of social platforms to connect. The issue of location is not a problem because the partners can connect regardless of the distance. The sharing of information is easy and fast. However, it does not embrace the physical evaluation of the partner.

References

Naji Bajnaid, A., & Elyas, T. (2017). Exploring the Phenomena of Online Dating Platforms Versus Saudi Traditional Spouse Courtship in the 21st Century. Digest of Middle East Studies, 26(1), 74-96. doi:10.1111/dome.12104

Rosen, L. D., Cheever, N. A., Cummings, C., & Felt, J. (2008). The impact of emotionality and self-disclosure on online dating versus traditional dating. Computers in Human Behavior, 24(5), 2124-2157. doi:10.1016/j.chb.2007.10.003

Schmitz, A. (2016). Online Dating – A Meeting Point for the Modern Individual and Traditional Individualism. The Structure of Digital Partner Choice, 13-28. doi:10.1007/978-3-319-43530-5_2