I remember being in highschool in the late 90s/early 2000s and someone found out I had an online dating profile.
I was relentlessly teased about it, borderline bullying.
I eventually met my current wife online, couldn't be happier.
looking back, the teasing was likely because I was the only genuinely nice guy those girls knew and were upset their choices for dates were abysmal. it's all for the best though, I wouldn't have wanted to be around anyone who could treat me that way and be ok with it.
I'm pleased that the stigma against online dating has all but vanished.
speaking from my own personal experience. options for dates were lackluster and I couldn't get what I wanted out of the relationships I had so, I looked elsewhere.
especially in small rural communities where the opportunities to expand your experience in mature relationships. most the dates I had were, "let's get wasted and fuck on this dirt road" or "let's get drunk around the bon fire with all our friends and go fuck in the woods". sound nice, but if it's the only option every weekend it gets old.
I wanted a personal connection to someone outside of getting drunk and having sex, others are fine with it.