The Texan and I met online. Way back then, online dating was fairly new and not many people I knew were doing it. But, I figured that I had just as good of a chance to meet a great guy online or in the produce aisle. It’s been eleven years since our first date. Online dating worked out for us – and for countless others over the years.
What I didn’t think about then was what the company may or may not be doing with the data they collected from me. I freely provided them with my age, gender, and other demographic information without batting an eyelash. After reading Dataclysm, I started thinking about how online sites are molding the data they received from it’s users.
What I found interesting is, according to this book, men, regardless of their age and when being completely honest, are looking for a female partner that is between the age of 20-23. I had a good laugh when I saw a recent photo of my favorite celebrity guy, Matthew McConaughey sporting a t-shirt with famous quote from his Dazed and Confused Character Wooderson: “I Get Older, They Stay The Same Age”. While McConaughey is staying true to his roots, other men seem to be unable to let go of the past. Could they be searching for the fountain of youth and think a younger woman is the answer?
Perhaps.
But, it could be something as simple as not wanting to let go of their youth. Not believing that they’re actually that old. For many, the early twenties are full of wonderful memories. College, parties, no true bills or responsibilities. In our younger years, we feel we look our best: youthful, but not young. We may never learn why men aren’t honest when they say they want a partner closer to their age. Learning why may uncover some truths that we aren’t ready to accept about our own lives.
How did you meet your spouse?
[…] Emily Stephens at Nap Time is My Time shares her own online dating story. […]