Pierrette Mulumba
Social media has become a tool used to mould your perfect life. From making new friends to building a business and in some rare cases, finding instant fame and fortune. Therefore, it should come as no surprise that the singles of the world are looking to the Internet to play cupid in hopes of them finding that special someone.
In African societies, the institute of marriage is one of the most respected and encouraged in an individual’s life. With that being said, finding someone compatible enough to marry is easier said than done. Sexual identity, political views and gender equality are topics that continue to divide people so already making friends is a hurdle, let alone finding the perfect bae. This is presumably why so many people have flocked to online dating. It’s easier to find like minded people and avoid any messy confrontations. With online dating one can bypass all the frogs and toads and instantly meet their Prince Charmings and Cinderellas. If that’s not enough, dating sites of today cater to your specific lifestyle such as www.christiandating.co.za which is a dating site for holy singles or www.gayxchange.com which is catered to homosexual males looking for love. The most popular dating site today definitely has to be Tinder. Singles view pictures of others and swipe either right if they like the picture or left if they don’t. Although it may seem superficial, when someone is romantically approached in a club or coffee shop, it is usually as a result of their appearance.
Despite this, the application of online dating in a South African is a little bizarre considering how majority of its inhabitants have yet to have Internet access for the first time, let alone be part of the #DataMustFall movement.
Alas, it is social media. It is a place where individuals can be who they really want to be. Ironically, the person they want to be is a far cry from who they actually are in real life. There’s also the danger of being scammed out of large amounts of money leaving you with more than just an empty heart. Conmen have taken to the Internet to manipulate lonely singles in order to make a quick buck. In the case that the person is who they claim to be and the date actually happens, there’s also the sad possibility that the spark that was ignited online will soon fade away to a dull thud once both parties are seated and their eyes meet.
Whether it’s on the train or a chance meeting in the library, love can be found anywhere and often than not, it could be a click away.
