Internet dating ‘empowers women’
Internet experts believe senior online dating can be more open and liberating - a fillip for women in the battle of the sexes.Many modern women need no Dutch courage to talk frankly to someone they find attractive. But for those that do, the web may provide them with a useful confidence boost, according to psychologists.
Dr Petra Boynton, sex editor of Men’s Health, said: "People who feel uncomfortable can actually be much more up front doing this, and ask direct questions.
"A lot of women say they find it quite empowering because they can ask things, demand things and flirt.”For instance, many women find it hard to say ‘I don’t want to see you again’ but online they can. "So it can be used just to improve your confidence outside of the internet."
Fear of rejection
She said the rapport built up by chatting online can be more meaningful than a judgement based on looks. Shy men and women can find it easier to speak through a keyboard than face to face, because the fear of rejection is reduced.
Paula Blewett, who met her boyfriend Douglas online, added: "As a woman you are more confident and you can come across as sharp and witty because it’s not a rapid response conversation, like in a bar.
"Everyone can sound like a raconteur on the free internet dating site." Professor Helen Petrie, of City University, London, said: "There are people who lack interpersonal social skills and would find it very difficult to meet people in bars.
"They may find it easy to meet in an internet room, but they still have the problem of meeting them face to face and if they have gone too far with the internet relationship, they may find that traumatic."
Online dating can also allow people to ask questions they may usually find awkward. Before Suesie Glagow, 44, met husband Steve online, she made clear on her internet profile that she was looking for someone who wanted children.
Source: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/2486815.stm
