Online Dating in 2018: Six of the Most Frustrating Things According to You

2018 online dating scene is a pain

Last month, Do Sask followers were asked to post their single most frustrating thing about dating in 2018. While compiling the responses, it became obvious that the most frustrating thing about dating is online datingThis post features all comments organized by recurring themes. 

The term ‘online dating’ has become ubiquitous within the dating scene in general. According to an eharmony report, 36% of single Canadians have an online dating profile to increase their odds of finding a romantic relationship in person.

And according to you… online dating is kinda annoying.

What’s the most frustrating thing about online dating in 2018?

These are the biggest pains you’re currently facing in the dating scene. Keep in mind that Do Sask’s sample audience size is limited, so there may be other factors that have been left out.

1. When your group of friends is getting coupled up and there’s not a single mate left for you.

Trying to meet people outside of your immediate circle of friends and having a genuine conversation with them.”

“When you are the only single person you know in your age bracket. And none of your friends know any singles so you are always the odd one out. And vacation prices are always based on double occupancy.”

“There are very few ways of meeting people outside of dating apps and most of my single friends are gay.”

2. When your match’s online dating profile doesn’t match the person sitting across from you.

“So many people are in relationships but try to hook up with someone by putting a fake profile online. They talk to you then tell you “[oh] btw I’m married so we have to keep this on the DL”. How frustrating!”

The lies, oh god the lies!! “5’8” (as I tower over him), “athletic build” (video game couch potato build). It’s like, just be honest people.”

“How fake people can be over the internet.”

3. When unsolicited nudes arrive in your messages. C’mon, it’s 2018!

“The inappropriate pictures some men send, without warning ⚠, on dating apps!”

4. When people want to skip ahead to a quick hookup instead of developing a genuine connection.

“People wanting to “date” for the sole purpose of having sex.”

“Dating apps suck for meeting up with real people and always having to have the hookup convo.”

Finding someone that is serious about relationships and not asking if I’m DTF or if I’m interested in sleeping with younger men.”

“Meeting someone who is truly looking for a relationship.”

“I find is a lot of people want instant gratification. You’re talking to someone and showing interest and if you don’t immediately want to be their girlfriend they move on.”

5. When a combination of infinite options, unrealistic standards, and flaky partners make it hard to think long-term.

“From a male perspective…. the high expectations and constant rejection. Very frustrating.”

“The “way” to meet people but none of them fully tell the truth online…..then you “waste” time talking to them…then meet them…..then never see them again…..

“The choice paralysis of online dating. It affects both sexes, and can manifest different ways, but it’s all frustrating in the end. Everything could be going so well but then they ghost, or bench you for another option… Other times you find yourself hyper-analyzing a potential partner, wondering how many red flags are too many? Are you just being overly critical? Are you settling? Or do you actually deserve better?”

When you are excited about someone and then they ghost you. When you didn’t see it coming and are left wondering what happened. It makes it difficult to continue to open up when there is a new connection.”

“Finding people who say that they are interested then they tell you something all together different months down the road.”

6. When your desire for an old-fashioned meet-cute conflicts with your deliberate intention to be found.

“Dating sucks in your 30’s. It is scary and unnerving!! I hate meeting people online so I just don’t bother.”

“How the internet accelerated the process. Most of you can remember the not-so-distant past when relationships formed authentically. Memories are made when things aren’t rushed and I miss that.”

“It’s hard to narrow it down to one thing!! I know online dating is super popular but I really miss a good ol’ fashioned date with someone you met the old fashioned way! But I feel disconnected when I’m not on dating sites! It’s hard to meet someone that you don’t work with!! Oh the joys of dating in 2018.”

“I’d say the social dynamic of texting and messenger is annoying. I wouldn’t even mind talking on the phone these days but everybody is scared to have phone conversations.”

“The most frustrating thing about dating in 2018 is not being able to see facial expressions when online dating.”

Thanks to all the Saskatoon singles who took the time to leave their comments for this post!

What’s the most frustrating thing about online dating in 2018? Join the DO SASK FACEBOOK GROUP to share yours, or stay anonymous and email info@dosask.com.

Saskatoon speed dating saves you from the online dating experience by putting you in front of at least 7 singles in one night. On average, 80% of attendees find a friend or more.  Register for the next event in Saskatoon! Please check the Do Sask Eventbrite page for upcoming dates and details.

Become a contributor!

Contact Do Sask, or reach out on Facebook to let our community know about your speed dating blunders.

FIRST ANNIVERSARY: Catching up with a speed dating match one year later

“It’s a crapshoot. You never know what’s going to stick!” – George, past attendee and speed dating match

On April 18, 2017, the first Do Sask Saskatoon Speed Dating event took place on the third floor of the Hose & Hydrant Pub.

In celebration of my first anniversary, I invited attendees from the very first speed dating event to share their success stories. With 11 people in attendance it was an intimate crowd. Fast forward twelve months. Speed dating has had more than a dozen successful events, hundreds of matches, and lots of singles ditching their smartphones for some real face time.

Do Sask began with a goal to help people get connected on a deeper level to the community around them. With all the buzz, I’m sure you’re just as curious as I am about how speed dating has an impact on attendees once the event is over.

This week, I was pleasantly surprised to hear from two of my very first attendees, a lady named Kate* and a gentleman named George*, who are now in a long-term relationship.

Kate and George have been seeing each other since meeting at speed dating last year. When I asked them if they would let me interview them on their experience, they agreed. I talked to each interviewee separately and encouraged them to give honest answers.

Read on if you’re interested in learning about how a real speed dating match develops into a relationship.

GEORGE SAYS

“Speed dating for me was far better than using POF or Tinder, it was a lot more personal and allowed for a better chance at a good first impression.

I matched with Kate and we’re still together. We were friends for the first little bit and then started dating later in the year. I think the benefit of speed dating is putting people together in a room and taking away the ease of making a quick judgment call and moving on, it forces a bit of conversation and getting to know the other person a little bit more than you would see on a dating profile.”

KATE SAYS

“I am happy to say that George and I (whom I met that night) are still together. It was 7 months of being in a relationship as of April 1st. We wanted to be friends for a little bit once we met and he asked me to start a relationship on September 1st at the fireworks festival.

I’m so happy I took a chance and went, took a chance and checked yes and I have you to thank 🙂 so Thank you! I hope that mine and George’s relationship continues to bloom and see where this adventure takes us :)”

What did you think about speed dating before you came?

George: “I heard about speed dating from the movies, but I didn’t know what to expect going into it. I was going in with an open mind.”

Kate: “Honestly the first thing that came to my mind was the scene in the movie Hitch when they have speed dating at the end of the movie. I knew it was meeting someone, you talk for a couple of minutes, then you go on to the next one. Check yes, or no. And if you match ‘yes’ you exchange numbers. I didn’t know what to expect as far as the kind of people I would meet, or anything like that.”

What did you want out of speed dating?

Continue reading “FIRST ANNIVERSARY: Catching up with a speed dating match one year later”