Should you video call before meeting your gay hookup?

Ok, so, you’ve found a hot guy on gayscene.org and you’ve been chatting about your hook up, and what you both want to get from it. You want to meet up, but one of you suggests a video call first, what do you do? It’s a dilemma lots face, so lets dive into this and look at the pro’s and con’s of having a video chat before a gay hookup to help you make the right choice.

To video call or not to video call, that is the question!

In the world of online hookups, especially within the gay community, the decision to have a video call with someone you’ve met on a hookup website before meeting in person is a nuanced choice. This dilemma requires a dive into the pros and cons, considering both the potential benefits and drawbacks unique to the experiences of gay men navigating the complex terrain of online connections. It’s a toughie, so strap yourself in, no, not in a kink way 😉

The Pro’s

1. Authenticity and Connection

   Video calls allow individuals to assess the authenticity of the person on the other side of the screen. For gay men, who may face unique challenges in finding genuine connections, a video call can offer a more immediate sense of chemistry and compatibility. You can better judge the guy you’re hooking up with when you see them on screen.

2. Security and Safety

   Video calls provide an additional layer of security by confirming the identity of the person before meeting in person. This is particularly crucial within the gay community, where safety concerns are often heightened due to the potential for discrimination or harm. Its always best to play thing safe, having a video call give you an extra layer of security and peach of mind before meeting someone in the flesh.

3. Communication Skills and Connection

   Video calls offer insight into communication styles, expressions, and mannerisms, which can be vital for understanding compatibility beyond the confines of text-based messaging. This can contribute to a more meaningful and engaging conversation when the eventual in-person meeting takes place. If you struggle to make a connection on a video chat, you may find you’re hook up falling flat, so having a video chat can save a lot of time and heartache if there’s no chemistry between you both.

The Con’s

1. Unrealistic Expectations

   The visual nature of video calls may create unrealistic expectations regarding physical appearance. In a community where body image can be a sensitive topic, relying solely on a video call for attraction may lead to superficial judgments, potentially overshadowing the importance of personality and compatibility. Be wary of video angles and locations, as with social media content, a video call may not give you the full picture.

2. Nervousness and Performance Pressure
   
   Video calls can induce nervousness and performance pressure, hindering natural interactions. Gay men, who may already face societal pressures related to appearance and presentation, may find that the added stress of a video call detracts from the spontaneity of getting to know someone. You cant base your opinion of someone solely on a video call, it can be hard for some guys to connect this way and so be mindful of that, maybe a good old fashioned voice call could be better for you both.
3. Overcoming First Impressions

The immediacy of a video call may result in premature judgments, hindering the ability to overcome initial awkwardness or nervousness. In the pursuit of genuine connections, allowing for a gradual unfolding of personalities without the pressure of immediate visual assessments may be preferable for some. Building expectations from a video call, only to have them dashed when you meet in person is never a good thing.

So how do you decide?

Ultimately, the decision to have a video call before meeting in person depends on individual preferences and comfort levels. For those who prioritize security, authenticity, and efficient filtering, a video call may be a beneficial step. On the other hand, those who value the organic development of connections and wish to avoid potential biases associated with appearances might prefer delaying video interaction until after the initial in-person meeting.

The choice to engage in a video call before meeting someone from a gay hookup or personals website in person is a subjective decision for guys. By carefully weighing the pros and cons, individuals can determine the approach that aligns with their priorities, ensuring a balance between safety, authenticity, and the organic development of meaningful connections in the diverse landscape of online dating.

Always do what’s best for you both, take into account each other feelings and preferences and stay and play safe.