Unfortunately with the internet and social media, if someone is setting you up on a date, you can already know A LOT about them before even meeting them. Well here is my challenge to you: if someone is setting you up on a date, DO NOT Facebook/Instagram/Twitter/LinkedIn stalk them! In fact, don't even ask to see a picture of them, until you meet them in person.
Here's why:
1) You might miss out on someone great, and not even know it. So someone wants to set you up, and they immediately show you a picture of them thanks to #smartphones. The person isn't really your type physically, so you automatically decline. First, a lot of people look completely different in real life compared to pictures, second, once you meet them you could be attracted to different aspects of them, which will then make them more physically appealing to you. Don't ever forget that initial attraction can always grow, without you even seeing it coming.
2) You might see something you don't like. Chances are if you go #SherlockHolmes on the whole social media investigation, you might see something you're not a fan of, which could be totally irrelevant or a thing of the past or a prank from friends, really you just don't know. It's really a shame that nowadays a Facebook profile seems to turn some people off more than a real profile...
3) You'll go into the first date with preconceptions. What happens when you stalk someone on social media before meeting them is that you are priming your brain. Priming is an effect that happens uncontrollably and it causes you to either have a positive or negative response once you will meet the person. Without even knowing it, you could be giving off a completely different energy because of this effect.
4) You save time. Instead of spending hours on dating sites, followed by even more hours talking to different people, simply accepting to go on blind dates and avoiding to spend time investigating the person will (wait for it...) save you time!
5) Sometimes other people know you better than you know yourself. Whether it's a friend, coworker, or family, they definitely have seen personality traits of yours that you may yourself not fully realize. The people who know you make great matchmakers, so why not use that?
6) You will not regret it. Worst case scenario, you didn't click with the person at all. Well, at least you gave it a shot and tried to meet someone the good ol' fashioned way.
7) There are a lot of people who could set you up. Don't be shy to ask people if they know someone who is single and looking for a relationship. You never know who knows who, and if you ask around I'm sure you would be surprised!
8) It will encourage you to date. Even if it didn't work out, it will get you back in the groove of things and polish up your dating skills!
9) I DARE YOU. Why not give it a try and dare a friend to do it too ;)