In today’s technological society there are many routes to meeting the woman of your dreams. Perhaps you’ll encounter someone online, or discover a connection with someone in a natural setting.
Regardless of how the stars align, you’ll want to know a bit more about your date before taking them out. But it’s a fine line, where concerns lie with potentially killing the mood before the wheels are in motion.
But just how important is it to run a background check on your date? Some might argue it takes some of the suspense/spontaneity from the moment. With this being said, what if your date is a serial killer?
OK, perhaps that’s a bit extreme, but there might be some potentially game-changing information that can be uncovered with a simple Google search.
Before we look at why you should run an online check, let’s look at some common arguments against doing so:
What’s unfortunate about conducting an online search is you can be misguided. Imagine forming an impression of your date that’s inaccurate, or misinterpreting information and using it to create a negative stigma.
Think back to some of the things you’ve posted online. Now consider whether they’re an accurate representation of your identity. Unfortunately, we live in a culture where people suspect the worst-case scenario, only heightened by the modern prevalence of catfishing.
We’ve all seen those dateline specials. They’re enough to make you distrust even the most delicate of flowers. Many will admit to unmatching people after observing their Facebook or Twitter account, without actually giving that person ample opportunity to reveal their true personality.
You might come across a political view you disagree with, or a sentiment that clashes with your ideological beliefs. What if the person you search has a YouTube channel that’s not to be taken seriously and you’re deterred unnecessarily?
An online search can put a spanner in the works in more ways than one. It can create obstacles that are better tackled in a controlled setting, where you can make an informed, real-life decision.
These are undoubtedly good points, however that doesn’t mean to say a quick search isn’t a good idea.
Why Should You Conduct a Quick Search?
Isn’t it an enormous invasion of privacy that epitomizes everything that’s wrong with the internet era? Perhaps, but that’s the era we’re living in, and what people sign up for when they disclose information online.
Ultimately it comes down to whether your date has been honest with you or not. If you’ve been lied to, you’d rather find out sooner than later, to confront the issue head-on. By using the information you have, like their current location, name, and phone number, chances are you’ll uncover a social media profile without any problems.
Admittedly this removes some of the mysterious appeal of dating. But whether it’s for peace of mind or your own safety, finding out more about your date can be highly reassuring. A solid online search will prevent you from being catfished, or from getting involved with deceptive people.
Imagine meeting someone and there are no red flags, only to later find out that person is married! Though this seems far-fetched, this scenario is more common than you’d think.
No matter how slim the potential is, things like this are enough to encourage you to conduct a quick online search. Plus catfishing doesn’t only happen online either. You could meet someone at a bar who says their 20, only to later perform a search which indicates otherwise.
For most, it’s better to run a background check on your online date, rather than finding out valuable information before it’s too late.
Another advantage worth considering is the ability to get one step ahead of the game. By learning more about your date you’ll be positioned to connect with them better. Heck, you might even find out something which endears you to them even more.
Let’s say for example you discover some common interests; you’ll have a few talking points to get your first date off the ground! But this should, of course, be balanced with the importance of learning about the person on the date. Otherwise you can take the fun out of dating.
You’ll hardly want to know someone’s life story beforehand because if you do it can stagnate spontaneous romance. What’s important is you balance undertaking online searches with holding back and enjoying the natural, often exciting unpredictability of life.
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