WSJ – July 11 - Eli J. Finkel, a professor of social psychology at Northwestern University, recently co-wrote a study about the benefits and limitations of online dating. WSJ spoke to Dr. Finkel from his office in Evanston.
WSJ: People at midlife and beyond are the fastest-growing segment using Internet dating sites. Why is that?
DR. FINKEL: In 1900 the life expectancy was 47. Our life spans today are longer and people aren't sentenced to being alone.
Q: Is there a "best" dating site for older adults?
A: There are over 1,000 sites and there are all sorts of niche sites. There are sites that target people over 50.
Q: What about the pros and cons of using a generalized site such as Match.com, as opposed to niche dating sites?
A: I wish we knew. One of the main things that leads people to choose one site rather than another is that they know someone who successfully used that site.
Q: What expectations should a person bring to Internet dating?
A: Don't expect magic. Don't assume these sites have "the" way to match you using various dimensions of compatibility. The best algorithm you're going to find is the one located between your ears. And think of a Cake.
Q: Why is that?
A: People aren't reducible to a list of characteristics, just as cake isn't reducible to a list of ingredients. Even if you don't like eggs, it's pretty likely that you'll like a cake that has eggs in it more than a cake that doesn't.
Q: Do people approach dating differently when they're older?
A: There is less tolerance for nonsense. They don't have the time or patience to play games.
by Diane Cole
See full article at WSJ