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.

The niche dating site is more refined than your regular dating site. Niches target a small audience. They are geared for a select demographic. For instance, you can find niche dating sites catering to raw food enthusiasts or vegans. There are sites where members can only join if they enjoy adventure sports or rock music. If you're into wine, there's a niche site for that. If you like traveling the world, there's a niche there too.

There's a site out there for everyone.

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.

Fans of online dating like the fact that they don't have to put themselves out on the traditional dating circuit. They don't have to limit themselves to the people they find at the local watering hole or club. Who hasn't been stuck in a conversation with some bore who thinks they are God's greatest gift to mankind? There's also the fact that the internet is global. Online daters can be much more selective than their offline counterparts. It's easier to engage in conversation online, especially when you already know about a person from reading their profile. It's more casual, less daunting. The fear of rejection you get in a live scenario isn't there.

Online dating also has its benefits in times of economic or social uncertainty. Finding someone to talk to online when things are rough can be comforting. In difficult times people start thinking about their priorities. They start to yearn for someone to love and to cherish through the good and the bad. Online dating can help with that.

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. - 32510

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