I remember back in the day when meeting people at the bar or the club was the norm. In fact, if you didn’t meet someone through mutual friends, school or work, hitting the bar scene was pretty much your only other choice. Of course, now there are a plethora of different ways to meet people online so the bar scene isn’t your only (or even best) option anymore. Yet, despite all the new and convenient online options, many people are still tied to the concept that it’s “better,” “more romantic” and/or “less creepy” to meet people in person “the good old fashioned way” ie. in dim lighting, over a beer or overpriced bar rail drink.

But, what most people don’t understand is that online dating isn’t an alternative to finding love the “old fashioned way,” but rather it’s a tool that provides a more convenient and efficient way to make these kinds of real life connections happen.

Still don’t believe me? Here’s a few reasons why online dating is better than trying to meet people at your local watering hole.

1. There’s no alcohol involved. Usually.

I’m guessing you know the old saying, “if he/she is a 2 at 10, they’ll be a 10 at 2.” That’s because everyone knows that drinking can seriously cloud your judgement. When you throw beer (or vodka or tequila or wine) goggles into the mix, there’s a very good chance that you’ll find yourself drawn to people that you might not have approached sober. While there’s nothing wrong with hooking up with an attractive person you meet while downing craft beers at your local dive bar, if your goal is to meet someone to have a long term relationship with, you might want to leave alcohol out of the mix. Online dating is great because you can look through people’s profiles and make an informed, sober decision as to whether you’d like to get to know them. In theory, this should lead to better dating experiences all around. The same doesn’t apply if you drink a bottle of wine to yourself and start swiping right on anyone who looks remotely attractive. Just saying.

2. Online dating makes it easier for you to weed out the creeps and weirdos.

I’d argue that in many ways, online dating is less creepy than meeting people in person. At first glance, you have no idea whether the person you noticed across the room will turn out to be a complete creep. Online, the weirdos tend to reveal themselves very quickly. Quite often you can spot them by the kind of language they use in their profile (usually overly sexual and/or aggressive) or their initial message. If someone makes you uncomfortable, you can just delete, ignore and block them if necessary. You can’t do that when you’re cornered by a stranger in person.

3. People are online because they want to meet people.

When I go to a bar, I’m usually not there to meet anyone of the opposite sex. Instead, I’m focused on hanging out with my friends and catching up. Like most of us, I’m a busy person. The time I do get to spend with my friends is golden. Because of this, I almost resent it when a stranger hits on me during my precious “friend time.” When I’m at a place where there’s alcohol being served, I put my guard up so that I can hopefully avoid these kinds of unwanted interactions (and I know I’m not the only one.) I assume other people are doing the same, so I tend to keep my distance. Online dating is completely different. It’s like going into one big party where everyone has the same collective goal: to meet new people.

4. You know exactly who’s single.

You may meet someone in a bar that you fancy, but that doesn’t mean that they’re necessarily single or looking to meet someone. Online dating means never having to ask, “do you have a boyfriend or girlfriend?” Unless someone is outright lying in their profile (hey, it happens) the people you meet online are single and ready to date – or else they wouldn’t be there.

5. They’re not really that different.

If the spontaneity of meeting “the old fashioned way” is what you crave, you might enjoy mobile dating apps. They’re all based on making quick, first impression judgements. Flip through local singles and see if there’s anyone you would approach if you met in person. The upside: you’ll only be connected with singles in your area that are actually looking to date. Plus, adding to the feeling of spontaneity, you can connect with other singles while you’re on the go – for example, when you’re at your favourite pub and are looking to meet someone to have a drink with…right now. Like. Connect. Meet in person. It’s a win/win.