On internet dating sites, the premise is very simple, post a picture of yourself, write a profile that says who you are, and what you want, and you’ll attract like minded people.
So, what could possibly go wrong? And if it does, could you be responsible for it?
For not posting a picture of yourself , for example, and creating an impression that you’re not real but, spectre-like; I can see you but you can't see me.
Hiding behind a blank image with no features says more about what you're thinking than any photo or wording ever can. So too if you’re horrified that someone you know might catch you out pursuing a personal life. Isn’t that what human beings are programmed to do, find a mate? It makes me wonder what else you don’t want people to know about you? That you’re the Pope, a wanted criminal, or that you already have a partner, or two?
So, be away with you and your ghostly excuses! I mean, would you turn up at any other social occasion without your face and your body accompanying you? Or have you ever considered going to a wedding or birthday party wearing someone else's physicality, a younger self maybe? Which internet daters also like to do.
I’m no expert on internet dating, but I’ve used the medium for a while now, and for what it’s worth, here’s what I know:
If the person in the picture is too good to be true, they are.
If the perfect picture is accompanied by the perfect profile, and the second email you get sent is full of strangely odd sentences, the person is not a genuine user.
How people see themselves is not necessarily the same as how you will see them.
If you’re not right for him/her then he/she ain’t right for you too.
Internet dating sites are just an extension of life not the holy grail.
You can never re-enact a first impression.