I'm torn about online dating. It figures the real market value, the real league of possible partners, as we established that real life pick up is unwanted and creepy. Our value and league are not what we'd want and expect, no surprise.
Honestly tinder shows me profiles of all potential partners with comparable wealth, age, and status within my area which I recognize from closer and wider circle of acquaintances. Even short appearances or breakdowns the apparently have by installing and setting up the app for a day or two. Sometimes even have moments like "wow, this match would be a romantic comedy plot with reunion after a decade". Then... they just swipe me left and continue complaining that there's nothing there.
The act of "pickup" is creepy because it's based on a false pretense - establishing a human connection and trust quickly. Succes is guaranteed only for the sociopaths. Talking to people in real-life, without the help of technology is not creepy and doing it casually just for the sake of human contact is what all of us should be doing more. We would be able to filter out the "creeps" much easier if most people you get in contact with are normal human beings that are being nice to other human beings.
There are many countries where on attempt to small talk they will death stare and squash you into the ground, or laugh off. Actually... most of countries in Europe.
I've yet to find a place in the world where talking to strangers at bars is socially unacceptable. Everywhere has different rules about where idle chit-chat with strangers is allowed or not, but bars are a universal.
Honestly tinder shows me profiles of all potential partners with comparable wealth, age, and status within my area which I recognize from closer and wider circle of acquaintances. Even short appearances or breakdowns the apparently have by installing and setting up the app for a day or two. Sometimes even have moments like "wow, this match would be a romantic comedy plot with reunion after a decade". Then... they just swipe me left and continue complaining that there's nothing there.