With the conclusion of February quickly approaching, the pressure to find a “special someone” for the month of love becomes almost weightless again.
For some, it might have been a successful month. For others, maybe not so much. Regardless of the outcome, students on campus seem to have a generalization of the dating world in our generation. With online dating and apps consistently promising the epitome of love, students find it hard not to fall under the influence.
Everyone has a love language: it changes and grows with the individual, with the hope of finding someone that does not hesitate to speak fluently for us.
Whether it be online dating, or dating face-to-face, dating in general can be filled with horrors and rewards, and the approach taken could be either horrifying or rewarding. Students look for diversity, not only within themselves but in their prospective partners. Online dating apps such as Tinder and Bumble have adopted the language of love and the women of Ferris are fighting back.
Ferris Integrated Studies major Ashley Norton shared insight on the surrounding dating world, stating the almost personalization and individuality that Tinder can provide with swiping left or right is what attracted her. Unfortunately some apps such as Black People Meet require a form of payment, and Ashley says she’s not interested in paying for love.
With the free apps, horror stories of very unsolicited lewd photos from newly met individuals is something that seems to be a common theme amongst the apps for women. Reputation is lost along with feelings.
Diversity within the apps is a huge factor for Ferris social work major Laila Duncan, even though Big Rapids does not provide the sufficient amount for proficient success in dating. However, it can be a great place to meet new people and make friends.
“I was just bored. I started matching with people that I know personally and it’s a fun thing. I scroll on it like I’m scrolling on Instagram”. Duncan said
Psychology student Samaia Lewis, states “Online dating you don’t really know what you’re getting yourself into. You never know if they’re going to catfish or not.”
Face-to-face interaction allows for the comfort of being able to ‘feel’ an individual. It is a firsthand experience, unlike on dating apps, where the risk of not knowing who is behind the screen immediately kills the vibe for some people.
Being able to see someone and understand another side of them is a preference, but online dating does recognize the discomfort of face-to-face interactions. Especially when referring to individuals with a form of anxiety. Norton, Duncan, and Lewis shared the principles of getting into online dating. The key is knowing what you are searching for. It’s also important to know what you could get yourself into.
As the LL Cool J song goes, girls just need love.