Internet Dating

General Information for Internet Dating

While Internet dating is one of the safest places to meet people, it still has risks. Always be cautious and keep safety and privacy in mind during your interactions with strangers. Another potential risk with finding a partner on the Internet that many forget is the possibility for a long distance relationship is relatively high. While the web provides access to a large group of potential matches, the one you find most appealing may live a world away.

Discovering dates on the Internet is a relatively controlled environment where the information on potential partners is easily available. Shopping for a mate on your computer is also extremely convenient as there is a limitless supply of people to meet, parallel dating is manageable and the whole process is less personal and complicated. One of the hardest parts about finding a date is that first initial encounter. In the Internet dating scene, that is one of the easiest parts – simply send a quick email and wait for a response – significantly less stressful than approaching a stranger in person.

As you begin your adventure into Internet dating, remember that rejection is a natural part of the process. The same reasons that make online connections effortless also make rejection easy too. Keep this in mind and embrace the concept rather than taking it personally.

Find Your Online Community

The first step in Internet dating is selecting a dating website. Take the time to research a web-based community first before signing on, as the wrong site can quickly make for a horrible experience. An important part of this research is being aware of what you are looking for. Determine a budget upfront as most reliable sites with multiple features require some sort of fee. Know the kind of features you require and actively search for sites that match your needs.

Always test a site before buying. Most offer at least a trial run that allows you to make some initial posts, chat, or even initiate contacts for a period of time before you have to make a payment. Even if the site does not advertise this feature, ask them directly for a trial run. Most will comply as they desperately seek your business in the highly competitive Internet dating market.

Setting Up Your Profile

Once you have found the perfect online community, creating the best profile will make the most significant difference in your success. This is your chance to make the best first impression. Take the time to research your competition and review other profiles both on your site and even others. Once you have completed your profile, have an honest friend review it for you. In most situations, there are four main parts to your profile: the photo, screen name, tagline and essay.

Photo

Unfortunately appearances do matter in this world, especially when selecting a date. With Internet dating, the photo also personalizes and demystifies the whole experience. Placing a photo with your profile may be optional, but it is not voluntary in terms of your success. Individuals with a photo attached to their name simply receive more contacts than the ones who don’t – even if the person is not outrageously attractive. While appearances do matter, it is actually the complete unknown that is most scary. Therefore, by not placing a photo, you immediately solicit suspicion. A photo relives anxiety about online dating and places an actual person with the text on your screen.

Recommendations for making the most of your profile photo:

• Crop it down and avoid having other people or their body parts in the picture with you.
• Avoid a picture with any obstructions, i.e. sunglasses or tree branches, as it gives the appearance of hiding.
• Simple but realistic photographs are the best.
• Focus on you in the photo, not pets or cars, etc.
• Find a picture that is less than three years old, or take a new one.
• Consider a black and white photo, as it tends to make faces look best and will stand out from the crowd.

Screen Name

If the dating site you selected allows you some flexibility with your screen name, focus on making it unique and attractive. This name is how you are identified through chat rooms, emails and on search lists, so it is the first clue to your personality. Find a way to express yourself, but avoid sexual or offensive innuendo. If you are at a complete loss for ideas, at least think of a term or name that is at the beginning of the alphabet as most searches are sorted alphabetically.

Tagline

The idea behind your tagline is to define who you are in a few lines. The goal is to make it concise, simple and sincere. You want to describe who you are to attract a good match instantly. Keep the following in mind when thinking of a tagline:

• Look at other taglines for inspiration.
• Consider humor if it fits you.
• Say something about yourself and invite conversation.
• Quotes, poetry, literary work, pop culture, bumper stickers and song lyrics are all good places to duplicate taglines.
• Always search for your tagline once it is complete, because some sites will shorten them in a search and the shortened version may look quite bizarre.

Essay

Some dating services offer essays, questions and answer quizzes or both. Whichever you choose to do, always remember to be as truthful as possible and that other people will tend to lie or exaggerate. Not everyone does an essay, so by completing one you will stand out. Preview other essays for ideas and when creating your own remember to include:

• A description of yourself
• What you are looking for in a relationship
• Your interests
• Avoid any negativity, conversations about sex, or apologies

In summary, your profile is useful to help you find a good match, not to attract everyone. Be careful with your words and don’t say everything – leave room for discussion later. Check your grammar and spelling, proofread and avoid the use of all caps, as it is shouting in online language.

Comment on Internet Dating

(Displayed with your comment)                        (Will not be displayed)

Verification Code: