Dating Online: The Good and Bad

The increasing investments in technology are opening the door to cyber dating. There are hundreds of online dating sites out there that allow individuals to meet via the internet for sexual or romantic relationships. I have tried online dating and found romance on the internet twice. My first husband and I met in 2000 on the instant messaging program ICQ and later married and had two children. We were married for six years before divorcing and after that I had to start over again. After buying a new house in an unfamiliar town, making new friends, and starting a new career I tried online dating again on the popular social-networking site of MySpace. I met my soon to be husband on there and after a few dates we later married and moved in together. I am still happily married to this day.

Dating on the internet seems to be the new trend especially for single moms and dads who can not find the time to date. With inventions such as computers and laptops that now com with web cameras and microphones it has became even easier to meet online and get to know that individual. You can now set at home and while you can chat on an instant messaging program you can actually see with your own eyes and hear the person you are talking to.

This allows you to take the time to meet new people at your own conveyance and from the comfort of your own home. This is also safer than picking up someone you barely know at a bar or going on a blind date. On the internet you have the choice to give the individuals any personal information. You may talk online with the person for several months and trade pictures but always when meeting anyone take safety precautions. You are responsible for keeping yourself safe and in a controlled environment so always meet in a large public place with lots of people. It is also important to do it during the daytime and if all possible it wouldn't be a bad idea to carry someone with you on the first date. You should always keep your safety in mind and make smart well thought out decisions.

The internet does give a gateway for predators to find victims. For example, a friend of mine was talking to an individual for several months before meeting. She met the individual at night in a secluded area. The man raped and beat her and left her there. This is an example of the bad things that can happen when meeting someone you have never met face to face. This situation can happen in any scenario but it is important to take steps to prevent it from happening to you or others. The cyber world is a great place to play games, meet new friends, and even find romance. Dating online is definitely something I would recommend to a single individual who has tried everything to find romance but always keep your safety in mind when doing so. Never give out personal information on the internet.