Moorpark students are expressing different opinions about this somewhat new approach to dating, online matchmaking. Depending on whom you ask, online dating may or may not be worth your time.

“You can meet the freakiest people,” said Erik, who preferred not to share his last name, 19, philosophy major.

Anyone with access to a computer, smartphone or tablet etc. can create a dating profile and meet other singles through a match-making website or app. The list of dating sites is long: it includes Match.com, Ok Cupid, Plenty of Fish, Bumble, Tindr and Grindr. Psychology Professor Sally Ponce O’Rourke, 54 of her students and a handful of students milling around campus were asked for their thoughts regarding dating online.

“I have no clue, your generation will tweet, Instagram, sext. If you’re willing to do that…,” said Ponce O’Rourke, when asked why she thought students might be shy from online dating.

In an anonymous survey Ponce-O’Rourke asked the 54 in her Human Sexuality class if and why they would or would not consider using an online dating site to meet someone. Twenty-seven students said they would, 21 said no and six said maybe under certain circumstances. Ponce-O’Rourke and several students milling around campus were asked the same question and also asked to share experience they might have had with online dating.

Among the responses were some common themes. ‘Stranger danger’ or the fear of talking to someone without an in person introduction, was one popular response. Students also mentioned appreciation for anonymity to ease social awkwardness, enthusiasm for the ability to communicate with people outside ones normal social circle and willingness to date online only as a last resort.

Stranger Danger & The Fear of Catfish

Some students expressed wariness toward meeting strangers on the Internet.

“It’s weird,” said Alissa Cruz, 18, biology major. “It’s not really meeting them in person. They could be lying.”

A handful of students brought up the dangers of the anonymity of dating online, including “Catfish.” A “Catfish” is a person who sets up a false personal profile on a social networking site for fraudulent or deceptive purposes, according to Merriam-Webster Dictionary.

“What if I got Catfished and actually fell in love with some sort of pedophile instead of who they said they really were,” wrote one surveyed student.

On the other side one student in the survey had a positive idea about meeting strangers on the internet.

“There is nothing wrong with it because everybody’s a stranger at first whether it be online or in person,” said one of the students.

A student named Solomon Chi, 19, psychology major said that social pressure and media has magnified the fear of online dating.

“Stigma,” said Chi. “People are not as trustworthy on the internet. There is a certain anonymity. The media says you can’t trust people. I think that stuck.”

Meeting Online Is Too Impersonal

“I’d like to meet a guy the old fashioned way- in person first,” said one of the students about meeting face-to-face.

Nick Raigoza, 19, Business Management major said that he has created online dating profiles, but never pursued anyone online.

“I think it’s more interesting and unique when you meet in person,” said Raigoza. “There’s no challenge or mystery with the person (online).”

Anonymity Eases Awkward Introductions

Some students shared appreciation for the computer screen’s protective social barrier because people seem to be able to be more honest when not facing someone, wrote one surveyed student.

“I met my girlfriend online, it is just so much easier to meet people online,” wrote another student.

You can meet more people online

Some students shared the excitement of an expanded dating pool. One student mentioned the internet’s usefulness in connecting people with other people outside ones usual social circle.

“All the guys I hang out with are cool, but not my type so it would be easier to find someone,” wrote one student.

One surveyed student commented on the convenience of an online matchmaking service.

“I’m quite busy and even if it doesn’t lead anywhere I would be able to have delightful conversation.”

Dating Sites Use Matchmaking Technology

Students expressed appreciation for the system of matchmaking in which the site will ask the user personal questions to connect his or her profile to other users with similar answers.

“They promise they can match you with someone. These are valid questions across a broad spectrum of personality traits…(ie) ‘Do you want children’?” said Ponce-O’Rourke

One student believes that it is actually a good way for someone with similar interests to connect.

Dating online is more efficient one student wrote, “Introductions are easier and you already person is attracted to you because they chose you,” wrote one student in the survey.

“You’re both looking for the same thing,” another surveyed student wrote.

Only If I’m Old and Still Single

A few students wrote that they would try dating online as a last resort.

“I would consider using online dating only if I were to grow old, having more trouble meeting people in person,” wrote one student.

Gabriella LaPorta, 20, psychology major said she would go online for a date, only as a last resort.

“If I’m 34 and still don’t have a husband, I’d go on eHarmony,” said LaPorta.

Horror Stories

David French, 19, engineering major shared an experience with an overly attached woman.

“I only met one girl on Tinder,” said French. ” We hung out for three months. She turned out to be pretty crazy. She was really cool, then she thought we were in a serious relationship. She told me she had looked through my favorites on Twitter to see if I was liking posts of other girls.”

Salvador Verduzco, 21, psychology major shared a personal Tinder failure.

“We met at a coffee shop… she stalked me for two months,” said Verduzco. “The second time we went out she mentioned a picture she saw on my Instagram from three years ago. She thought we were in a relationship when we were not.”

Salvador said that when he ended the brief courtship he felt like he broke her heart.

“My girlfriend broke up with me on Christmas,” Salvador said. “I ate a whole apple pie and drank tequila.”

Cassandra Hirschtick, 19, Psychology major (from survey) said that after her parents divorced they went online and met their current spouses. Before Hirschtick’s dad met his spouse he experienced an awkward and traumatic date with a woman.

“The car was still moving… she basically jumped out of the car after their date,” said Hirschtick.

Success Stories

There were a few success stories shared by the students.

“I found my girlfriend of two years [online],” wrote one student.

Elisha Edwards, 18, political science major, said that he met his current girlfriend from Tinder and have been dating for seven months.

“It was very direct, “ said Edwards. “(The site) made it a lot easier to find someone with similar interests.”

Students are on both sides of the online dating debate. Some express fear talking to strangers, some share the relief of communicating with a protective barrier. Some students shared the excitement of an expanded dating pool and some disapproved of the lack of depth in dating profiles.

While dating online is debatable as a harmful or helpful addition to society, the fact is that the internet helps people around the world connect with each other.

One surveyed student wrote, “The world is too big to even begin to meet everyone on your own.”