What is Online Dating?

Today, the internet has opened up a whole new dating world.  Lots of individuals, even couples and dating groups use the net to contact new people, looking for friendship, or maybe love.  There are lots of reasons why people choose to select a potential partner, or prefer to meet other groups or couples via the net.  A big advantage is convenience.  Many find the ability to communicate in private chat rooms, email, MSN, even their cell phones, a very practical way to create initial contact.  Dating websites function in several ways. 

Who uses them, and why?

Most dating sites offer non moderated services.  This is when members will sign up and provide as much information as they wish to give, usually something about themselves.  Maybe their job, how old they are, any hobbies they might have, or their general likes and dislikes.  Often a members profile will have a photo gallery, where members can upload personal photographs, of themselves, their friends, even their pets!  They will create a personal profile, and this might say what they are looking for in a relationship, why they want to meet new people.  For love? For a ‘non serious’ relationship?  Maybe or maybe not serious! or simply friendship.  Often people might solely be looking for a companion, someone to share their interests, or dinner with.  The simple things in life, that when shared, can be made so much more enjoyable. 

Matchmaking

With non moderated sites the individuals do their own matchmaking.  After building a profile you have immediate access to the database, which holds all the profiles of everyone registered on the site.  From then on, you are free to search however you choose, selecting different ‘options’ to define the ‘criteria’ you are looking for.  For example, you might want to meet people of your own age range, close to your home town.  The three most common criteria options for a search are location, age, and whether it is a relationship or friendship they are looking for.  Some search facilities also have lots of other options,

Moderated and Paid Membership

There are many non moderated and free to use dating sites on the net, and many people are content with the service.  Some paid sites may offer the same services, but usually they have additional ones too, like internal email systems, keeping your private email private!  Most have online chat rooms, message boards, even video links.  Moderated dating is slightly different.  It’s a systematic matchmaking, based on the rules of a computer program.  The computer will match people based on their criteria, very specific!  Usually the individuals profile is much more detailed, and will most often include a video introduction, plus an audio file.  Which online dating site you choose will depend entirely on your own personal preference.  Both have been successful, for millions of people, worldwide.