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Digital Foreplay: The Truth About Online Dating

Posted on April 25, 2014 by in ,

Online dating is changing the way people create and develop relationships.

Many people, whether they are young or old, are using online dating sites to build relationships. A Pew Research study says more than three quarters of Americans have tried online dating. Apps like Tinder, and Plenty of Fish, and online sites like EHarmony have made online dating easier, and less of a taboo subject.

“It used to be where online dating was just for people that were a little socially challenged, and it was easier to be able to communicate behind a keyboard,” cyber dating expert Julie Spira said. “Because of Facebook being so multi-generational, you’re seeing grandparents, that are going on dating sites when they lose their spouse or to divorce, and you’re also seeing college students that are flocking to the mobile dating apps.”

These online sites offer an easy way for users to create online profiles, and add photos and plenty of other types of information that one normally wouldn’t get from an encounter in person. The dating sites are a way for people who are hesitant, to gain some info about a potential relationship beforehand.

“You know in the real world we have to interact, we have to engage,” Marriage and Family therapist Allison Cohen said. “But you can go online and you find out stats, hobbies, important information instantly.”

CSUN Psychology professor Luciana Lagana says these online profiles can be both revealing and deceptive.

“It’s different because you don’t really have to reveal much about yourself,” Lagana said. ” You don’t have to give off any vibes that let anybody know you’re nervous. You can pretend you’re very cool, so deception is involved.”

“The guys that aren’t tall will actually add two to three inches to their height,” Spira said. “Women tend to lie about their weight, and men tend to lie about other things, for example, financial means, and having a job.”

People want relationships that are both successful and fun, without too much risk. With the new online dating sites, and the ability to check out mobile apps, the resources available are making the process easier and increasing people’s chances of success.

“You need to have a profile on more than one dating site, and be diligent about it, just like you would if you were looking for a job,” Spira said. “Understand it’s a numbers game, and get back out there and go on more dates, because the more dates you go on, the better dater you become.”

 

Moderator: Aleksandar Milojkovich

Anchor and Reporter: Evanne Robinson

Digital Content Editors: Esmi Careaga, Dylan Connolly and Natalie Palacios

Producer: Jennifer Rufer

 

 

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Ready For Lyft-Off: Transportation is Changing

Posted on March 28, 2014 by in ,

 

Taxis, buses, and light-rails have always dominated public transportation. However, two companies are now beginning to change the landscape.

Uber and Lyft are the companies behind the new ride-sharing services trend. Many think they represent a cheaper, quicker, and easier way to travel. Uber and Lyft are more of a control hub rather then a transportation company. The drivers sign up online, and then receive phones, and information in order to get started.

“There’s a lot of money to make in ridesharing, and I love it,” said Uber driver Terry Jones. Jones said drivers can get rated by their passengers, which can either help or hurt them. He said he shares his profits with the company. “They (Uber) take 20 percent the first month, then after that it’s only five percent so there’s actually a lot of money. The first month is only 20 percent because you’re paying for the phone they give you.”

For the passenger, the process is even simpler. Users download the app,  request a driver who is close, and then make  payments through the app. Drivers are supposed to arrive for pick-up within 15 minutes. The rating system also applies to the passengers, as the driver may rate them.

As great as the new service sounds, there is still plenty of opposition to it. Taxi drivers across California and the country continue to oppose the new service.

“Taxi cab drivers make money through fares and tips,” former cab driver Wallace Zane said. Zane is now a professor of anthropology at CSUN. He said taxi cab drivers pay money in rent or leases to their companies every night or once a week, which means the drivers have to earn enough money from fares and tips to cover the lease and gas. “Being a cab driver is a tough job, and I always feel sorry for them,” Zane said.

It is obvious that public transportation is beginning to change, and Uber and Lyft are two companies at the top of this new wave.

“There is driving everywhere and gridlock everywhere and we have limited public transportation services in addition to the traffic systems,” CSUN Urban Studies Professor Mintesnot Woldeamanuel said. “Having this new system is giving another option to consumers. It’s changing travel.”

 

Moderator: Jennifer Rufer

Anchor: Alex Milojkovich

Reporters: Evanne Robinson and Jennifer Rufer

Producer: Natalie Palacios

Social Media Editors: Dylan Connolly and Esmeralda Careaga

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