2008 Woodie Awards
Online dating: For more than just the desperate
By: Kristin Riegel, Associate Features Editor
Issue date: 9/21/07 Section: Features
- Page 1 of 2 next >
Running out of options of people to drink with, date, or do on the weekends? Online dating websites might have the solution to your weekend woes.
According to MSNBC.com, over 40 million Americans, or 40 percent of the single population in America use online dating services. And college students are quickly catching onto the trend.
From subscription sites such as Match.com to free sites such as Okcupid.com, online dating is emerging as the newest way to meet singles and expand your social network.
Frustrated by the lack of variety at Macalester, Alison Johnson* '10, joined Okcupid.com as a joke with her friend. "I am using an online dating service because, as much as I love Mac guys, they are either overly-confident and self-centered or they're so introverted that basically don't exist," said Johnson. "In addition, we have the three G's to contend with: gay, gross, or girlfriend."
Despite enjoying the academic challenges of Macalester, Johnson has been disappointed by the lack of diversity in the dating scene. "I was hoping Macalester could be a place where you could branch out from your group but that really isn't possible," said Johnson. "Mac is a small school, which is great for academics, but it's a Catch-22. Everyone knows each other which makes things complicated."
By taking her love life out of cupid's hands and turning it over to the worldwide web, Johnson says she has been able to meet people who are more genuinely interested in her. "I've only been using it [okcupid.com] for about a week and a half but I have already met a lot of new people," said Johnson.
And although she has not met anyone face-to-face, she is planning on meeting one of her contacts for coffee next week. "I'm excited; this is a great way to burst the Mac bubble."
Hideyoshi Coryne '10 has also found Macalester's close-knit community a difficult one to date in. "I'm gay and have trouble interacting on an intimate level with other gay guys at Macalester," said Coryne. "It really is the six degrees of separation in our community. Gossip spreads."
According to MSNBC.com, over 40 million Americans, or 40 percent of the single population in America use online dating services. And college students are quickly catching onto the trend.
From subscription sites such as Match.com to free sites such as Okcupid.com, online dating is emerging as the newest way to meet singles and expand your social network.
Frustrated by the lack of variety at Macalester, Alison Johnson* '10, joined Okcupid.com as a joke with her friend. "I am using an online dating service because, as much as I love Mac guys, they are either overly-confident and self-centered or they're so introverted that basically don't exist," said Johnson. "In addition, we have the three G's to contend with: gay, gross, or girlfriend."
Despite enjoying the academic challenges of Macalester, Johnson has been disappointed by the lack of diversity in the dating scene. "I was hoping Macalester could be a place where you could branch out from your group but that really isn't possible," said Johnson. "Mac is a small school, which is great for academics, but it's a Catch-22. Everyone knows each other which makes things complicated."
By taking her love life out of cupid's hands and turning it over to the worldwide web, Johnson says she has been able to meet people who are more genuinely interested in her. "I've only been using it [okcupid.com] for about a week and a half but I have already met a lot of new people," said Johnson.
And although she has not met anyone face-to-face, she is planning on meeting one of her contacts for coffee next week. "I'm excited; this is a great way to burst the Mac bubble."
Hideyoshi Coryne '10 has also found Macalester's close-knit community a difficult one to date in. "I'm gay and have trouble interacting on an intimate level with other gay guys at Macalester," said Coryne. "It really is the six degrees of separation in our community. Gossip spreads."
Viewing Comments 1 - 2 of 2
Sara
posted 9/23/07 @ 3:07 PM CST
Hi Kristin:
Here is an alternative or supplement to your suggestion.
You can get a Singelringen http://www.us.singelringen.com.
Glancing at my Singelringen ("The Single Ring" in Swedish) reminds me that I am already perfect exactly the way I am and don't NEED a partner. (Continued…)
Dennis
posted 9/23/07 @ 4:19 PM CST
I am a White single male looking for a woman young at heart and no one that has any episodes of tantrums or jealousy. I've had enough of that in my years of being with princesses or Queeny girls who think that they are all that demanding what I would willing give if they'd just chill a bit. (Continued…)
Post a Comment