One enchanted evening, you may see a stranger across a crowded room; but if you’ve not quite got the bottle to do anything about it then the opportunity could evaporate in front of your eyes.
Although this is a familiar scenario the world over, online dating is now empowering single men and ladies to make that first, tentative move towards romance. In fact the internet dating experience offers users a virtual safety blanket, enabling the less adventurous, the shy and the more introverted to socialise on an even footing with those who may naturally be more confident and extrovert in real-life situations. For when it comes to making contact, internet dating has certainly levelled the playing field and it’s proving a great liberator; behind the keyboard each and every one of us has the opportunity to show our best side.
Indeed making that first move has never been easier. Dose up with a large shot of Dutch courage, select the e-device of choice – pc, laptop, notebook or i-phone, register and create a profile (preferably an honest and recognisable one) then make that first contact and see if it elicits a positive response. And if it looks like things aren’t going anywhere, simply say your goodbyes and move on.
However the success of the internet dating experience may well depend upon the actual dating site itself. Seasoned users may choose to cast their nets as widely as possible, and register with several online dating sites. The fact that a number of online dating sites offer free registration and no charges to browse members’ profiles, has really opened up the market. Even the most sceptical person who thinks that they would never resort to searching for love and romance online might now be tempted to register with an online dating site knowing that they can unsubscribe without penalty as it’s not going to cost a bean.
A website’s specific ‘catchment’ also needs to be considered. Some niche sites are quite specialised – founded on the premise that likeminded, or culturally sympathetic types are looking for those who share the same fundamental values or live in the same country. This makes browsing really easy. However other ‘international’ sites offer the opportunity – and the challenge – of making contact with people across the world.
Equally, established sites with large membership bases may be using sophisticated methods to bring people together using complex algorithms to screen out unlikely contenders and will only send out ‘matches’ that offer the best chance of compatibility (less likely to be a polar opposite).
A final word of caution. Internet dating sites may give us the front to make contact with complete strangers and provide a useful springboard for relationship building, but care should always be taken if making contact in person with someone you’ve met online. Internet dating companies urge all users to be safety conscious, keep personal information private and if arranging a real date, to take basic security precautions*. Online dating companies do not take responsibility for bad one-to-one experiences.
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