Online engagement is a growing trend in today’s digital world. It refers to the process where two people meet and get to know each other through technology—typically via social media, video calls, or messaging apps—with the goal of eventually getting married.
Let’s dive into the benefits and the challenges of online engagements, and what experts say you should know before committing.
🌐 Is Online Engagement a Good Idea?
According to family relationship expert Nahed Hassan, online engagement can be a helpful introduction, allowing couples to break the ice and share basic information before meeting in person. It gives each side a chance to explore compatibility, values, and goals.
However, she emphasizes that online engagement alone is not enough to build a solid marriage. While it can lay the groundwork, real-life interactions are essential for deep emotional connection and trust.
❌ Why Online Engagement May Not Be Enough
1. Missing Nonverbal Cues
Online communication depends on text or voice, but lacks important nonverbal signals like body language, facial expressions, and tone of voice. These cues play a major role in understanding emotions and building trust.
2. Harder to Build Real Trust
Online conversations can feel deep, but trust is best built through shared experiences and real interactions. Without these, it’s easier to misjudge someone’s intentions or fall for idealized versions of reality.
3. False Impressions
People often show their best sides online—and sometimes hide the truth. That can lead to shock or disappointment when meeting face-to-face. Digital relationships may lack enough depth to fully understand a person’s true character, habits, or values.
4. Overlooking Cultural or Social Differences
Online communication may mask important lifestyle differences like traditions, family dynamics, and social expectations. These are easier to recognize in real life and are critical for long-term compatibility.
5. No Shared Experiences
Real relationships grow through shared challenges and memories. Online-only interactions lack this dimension, making it harder to gauge long-term compatibility or emotional resilience together.
6. Identity and Honesty Concerns
Online spaces make it easy to fake identity, exaggerate achievements, or manipulate emotions. This can lead to emotional fraud or mismatched expectations.
7. Weaker Emotional Connection
Digital relationships may struggle to maintain emotional intimacy, especially without regular video calls or meaningful conversations. The absence of spontaneous moments and physical closeness can weaken bonds over time.
💡 Conclusion: A Helpful First Step – But Not the Whole Journey
Online engagement can be a great way to start a conversation, especially in long-distance or intercultural scenarios. But it’s not a substitute for real-world interaction. For a successful and sustainable marriage, couples need direct communication, shared experiences, and emotional presence.
If you’re considering an online engagement, treat it as a starting point. Plan to meet in person, spend quality time together, and make sure you're both seeing the full, authentic version of each other.
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