In the world of online dating, many people are turning to social media groups to help vet and verify potential suitors and dates. This trend is particularly prevalent in northeastern Ontario, where the small pool of single people can lead to complications in the online dating scene.
Victoria Kannen, a sociology professor at Cambrian College, believes that these social media groups play a crucial role in helping individuals feel more secure and empowered when dating online. „Everyone wants to feel safer and more comfortable when starting a new relationship. Having even a simple reference, like ‚I had a good experience with this person,‘ can be very reassuring,“ says Kannen.
Abby Brunet, a member of one of these groups, shares a cautionary tale about the dangers of online dating in a small community. „A lot of the guys are talking to the same girls. A friend of mine, who’s been married for years, found out that her husband was dating multiple women online. She discovered this through the group chat, and it was heartbreaking for her,“ Brunet said.
Cavin Hayer, who has faced his own challenges with online dating, expresses his difficulty in trusting people based solely on their online profiles. „If you get ghosted and experience a lack of participation in conversations, you start to build up a fence and wonder if you can trust anyone on these apps until you’ve met them in person,“ Hayer explains.
Kannen also highlights the issue of misrepresentation online and how social media groups can help users verify the authenticity of their matches. „In the same way that we ask for references when applying for a job or look at reviews before dining at a restaurant, it’s becoming increasingly common to seek validation in online dating,“ says Kannen.
Ashley Rancourt, another member of an online group, believes that these groups can also help identify potentially unsafe situations. „There are many women out there who are trying to help others, especially when it comes to individuals who may pose a danger,“ Rancourt explains.
Hayer suggests that there could be different methods for identifying potentially dangerous individuals, such as a public service providing a list of individuals with charges or convictions. „It should be a community effort to ensure the safety of everyone involved in online dating,“ Hayer suggests.
In conclusion, Kannen emphasizes the underlying concern of safety when it comes to online dating. „The question that lingers is, am I safe with this person? Do I know this person? Am I putting myself in a vulnerable position?“ These social media groups are providing a sense of security and peace of mind for individuals navigating the world of online dating in northeastern Ontario.