I have found online dating to be a reflection of the technologically advanced but increasingly cold world we live in. When we buy things online, or attempt to do business over the phone, we are treated like a number. The fact that we are human beings means nothing to the person or machine at the other end of the line. The same holds true for online dating. People often totally ignore a profile response, as if it weren't written by a human being. When someone responds to my profile, I always respond (barring obvious scams) even though the person may not be what I'm looking for. I explain to them why I am not interested, thank them for replying, and wish them luck in their search. I have received the same basic common courtesy from about 10% or less of the people whose profiles I responded to. The same holds true for most of the people I was corresponding with on a regular basis. They acted interested, them out of the blue, stopped writing. If I were to break off correspondence with someone, I would tell them as much in as nice a way as I can and wish them luck.
I can't help but wonder if this is all due to technology dehumanizing people, or if there's a breakdown of common courtesy in society, or both.

The internet has not changed the basic fact that people, by and large, treat other people like crap. That is why religions and cultures have been trying to promote the golden rule for the past couple of millennia.

Camsex helps keep the world aids free. And, it's cheaper than a hooker.

Funny though, the religious factions are usually the ones treating everyone else like crap!

I don't think that technology is making people cold just that feelings can not be shown as well behind a computer. When talking to others online one can not expect constant contact with them. We are contacted by others find them interesting at first then after a while it seems that the conversation goes to a minimal and the interest is no longer there.

Life is life people will come into your life touch your heart. At times they will come in like a tornado and leave like a soft breeze. Many don't like to say good-by they just move on.

If we become cold it is not technology to blame but only ourselves.

All I can say is that I will do my best not to be a part of the problem. I will use the manners I was taught, even if others don't think they need to.

"The video game made me kill 22 people and blow up the playground."

God told me to do it.

gazuntight

Yeah but the children are ugly.

I agree. Technology simply provides a chance to connect - what we DO with that connection is our mutual responsibility. I, for myself, am delighted to meet y'all on here and never would have been able to w/out the ITT

it is a different means of connection as time move forward things change - I think granny prolly thought asking a gal out on a date over the phone was rude, instead of going to her house with ur calling card and getting permission from her father - the times they are a changing OP

we have talked about not rationalizing and taking responsibility Jeffrey