Online Dating

By Jayde Johanssen

Not so long ago, people thought online dating was reserved for the socially awkward, the weirdos and cranks of society who somehow couldn't function like the rest of the world. It was considered an extreme measure. Today, however, that taboo has pretty much been done away with. Now millions of people are heading to the World Wide Web in search of love. Net love has not only become acceptable, it's quickly becoming the number one method for finding the love of your life. Or if not that, a great date at least. As it stands, even older folks, grandmas and grandpas are hooking up via the net.

The numbers are astonishing. The online dating industry is enormous. Google online dating and you'll find thousands upon thousands of dating sites like eHarmony or JackFoundJill. It's really a thriving market. It makes sense too. People are turning to the web more and more to work and play, so why not throw romance into the mix? And as the number of online dating sites increases, they are become more exclusive too.

For the more selective, niche dating sites are a big draw. A niche dating site is usually focused on religion or ethnicity, but there are hundreds, thousands even, of sites out there which target social groups such as self proclaimed geeks or nerds. There are dating sites geared at hipsters and cyclers. You can even find matchmaking sites for tattoo enthusiasts, animal lovers, republicans, democrats and oenophiles (wine lovers).

Practically every interest has a niche dating site catering to it.

Still there are those people who are absolutely puzzled by the whole online dating phenomenon. They see it as some oddball fad. They are always the first ones to ask why. Why would someone date a stranger that they've only met in etherspace? Isn't better to date someone you've actually seen up close and personal? These are valid concerns. The internet can be dodgy. A lot of people lie or fib a little, especially about their appearance or age.

And traditionally, it is a good thing to know what your date looks like, in person.

Online daters however, are not daunted by the critics. They're generally tired of the old hanging out in bars bit. They don't want to sit around just waiting for the right person to come along. It may not happen. Online however, it's a different world altogether. The internet is world wide. You can meet people from everywhere, not just your hometown. You're not limited. Communication is instantaneous and there are millions of possibilities. It's also a lot more relaxing to be able to chat with someone from the comfort of your own home, too. There's no fear of face to face rejection. It's easier to find people with similar likes and dislikes.

Having someone to talk to, especially in rough times can be very helpful. Online dating is great just for finding people to share your stories with. A lot of people make lifelong friends through online dating.

Critics of online dating say its dangerous. People lie. They cheat. They disappoint. What they don't realize is that people do those same things offline too. - 31368

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