Cyber Dating: Should you go on an online date?

Cyber Dating: Should you go on an online date?

After a few years of being single, and going on what seemed like endless boring and disappointing dates, I decided that I was going to try a new strategy. Going on a date with someone online! I had never tried going on a date with a person over the internet before so I was a little overwhelmed at where to start. I began by finding a nice chat room where I could meet a variety of different people. I began using IRC, although a quick Google search will yield hundreds of chat rooms. Pick one that feels right to you. Take your time! It is important that when you are selecting someone to go on your first online date that you do not choose the first person who messages you. Do not appear to desperate, and take a little time to chat before asking the person if they would like to go on a cyber date with you.

After you select a person set up a place and time. You may want to have your first date in a private chat room, via instant messenger, or possibly even over the phone although I recommend saving the phone conversation for a later date. If the person does not show I would not recommend giving them another chance. After your first date the possibilities are endless, but remember to always use caution.

The advantages of cyber dating include being able to get to know someone's personality without being distracted by their looks. A decrease in pressure about where to take someone or where to go. You are also not limited by distance so you can have a nice time with people all over the world. There are a lot of single people online so if one cyber date does not work out there are endless more to go on!

The disadvantages of cyber dating include people lying about who they are, people not showing up for their dates, an inability to take the relationship to the next level, and it can be disappointing not to have someone to introduce to your friends.

The most important rule of cyber dating is to take things slowly and to always exercise caution. There are many good people online, and on the flip side there are also those people who can be irritating, annoying, and sometimes down right dangers. If you are new to the internet there are many articles that will tell you how to protect yourself when entering the world of online dating. Always report anyone who is cyber stalking you. Do not think that just because you meet someone online that there are no risks. Make sure to educate yourself before you jump into the world of the online date!