Look, in this day and age Internet dating is life – and it is here to stay. Yet, many singles are unsure of this 21st century dating technique. Many fear the outcome. They fall prey to the stereotypes associated with the notion of cyber dating: What will other people think of me? Will I end up going out with a cyber geek? Is this kind of dating safe?
No one will think less of you for trying out online dating – so what if you end up dating a cyber geek? First dates can be last dates. If you are worried about being safe, online dating can be safe - if you exercise a few precautions.
While many singles fear meeting married liars or stalkers-in-the-making, the biggest challenge typically ends up being the magnitude of it all. Potential online daters quickly find there are a boat load (think cruise line sized ship) of people seeking dates and mates. Check this out: During December 2003, 14 percent of the active American online population, or 21 million unique users, visited a personals/dating destination, according to Nielsen/NetRatings. Eureka! Match seekers nirvana!
Tens of thousands of people have met, dated, and eventually married as a result of their online dating experience. However, it is still vitally important when using online dating services, to exercise caution. Do some homework and you will likely avoid the pitfalls of cyber dating. And it is work. Filtering through the responses and “getting to know” the people who really pique your interest could take days! But there is an element of control with online dating - you have plenty of time to check, double-check and triple check things out. Pay attention to online inconsistencies – a red flag to help you avoid disappointment down the road. Keep your antenna up and be deliberate. Then, have some fun!
DO's and DONT's FOR ONLINE DATING
Do make calls with a cell phone that won't be identified on caller ID.
Do meet in a public place for at least the first few meetings.
Do let someone know whom you're meeting and where.
Do take a cell phone with you and have someone call to check that you're OK.
Do ask lots of questions. Look for consistency in responses.
Don't reveal too much personal information too quickly. Make sure e-mails can't be traced and don't reveal a signature line.
Don't invest too much in one person; correspond with several people to save time.
