What is Internet Dating?

Internet dating has become one of the biggest and most successful business ventures on the World Wide Web. There are hundreds of Internet dating sites on the net, and most large Internet providers, such as Yahoo! and Hotmail, have their own Internet dating sites. Basically, Internet dating is a way to meet people for either friendship or dating without actually having to meet them in person first.

The first thing to do if you decide to try Internet dating is to build your profile. This can include your hobbies and interests, life history, hopes for the future, whether you have children or not, and what you are looking for in a date. You can include how much money you earn and how much your are looking for your partner to earn. You can specify religious preferences, and even the body type of the partner you are looking for.

A photograph is optional, but many sites claim that a photograph increases the number of people who look at your profile. Be aware that once this photograph is posted, it can be seen anywhere in the world and it can be copied and used by anyone for any purpose. Many Internet dating sites will charge a one time registration fee to use their services. You may be able to browse people’s profiles for free, but if you wish to contact them you may have to pay. Credit card, check, or a Paypal account can be used.

One of the advantages of Internet dating is that you can meet people from all over the world. The sites list of countries and towns, and can even narrow the search down to your area by zip code. Another advantage is that you can communicate by email before you meet in person. You can decide how long you wish to speak to the person and how well you get to know them, then decide whether you would like to meet or not.

Thousands of people have met, fallen in love, and married through Internet dating. It is an excellent way for shy people to meet. It is also a way for people with busy lives to connect with others, and an easy way to meet people who share your interests.

Just as in conventional dating and love, there are some pitfalls to be aware of in Internet dating. The person you have been talking to on the net may not be who they say they are. Be very aware that there are some people who misrepresent their appearance or private details, such as marital status, income, and so on, for their own reasons. It would not be the first time that an unscrupulous suitor has scammed someone, and talk shows are full of cheating partners who have been caught dating over the Internet in their spare time.

Taking a few simple precautions should help you avoid some of the pitfalls involved in meeting people over the Internet. Never give out your home or mobile phone numbers, and never give out your exact location and surname. If you decide to meet, make sure that it is in a public place and that you have informed someone where you are going and whom you are meeting. Sticking to these guidelines should ensure that your Internet dating experience is fun, and as with any dating experience, you never know where it may lead.