<33 ONLINE DATING -- FIND LOVE ONLINE <33

INTRODUCTION TO ONLINE DATING

Is the Internet, via online dating, an effective medium for newer generations to build romantic relationships and find their potential partners in the post-modern world? My website will specifically address this question by looking at both the advantages and disadvantages of online dating sites, and critically assessing the future of virtual relationships.

"In the unpredictable, oftentimes turbulent world of dating, with its ups and downs, twists and turns and momentary fluctuations of the heart, a growing number of tech-savvy singles are turning their attention (and their hearts) to the Internet for their custom-made version of Mr. or Mrs. Right" (Foston, 2005). This quote shows how the Internet has become an important medium through which people find their soul mates. The increasing usage of the Internet has fostered the growth of online communication via instant messaging, chatrooms, e-mails, and blogs. More and more people are forming virtual relationships, making the Internet an integral part of our lives. The Internet is even becoming accepted as a social space for developing romantic relationships. In the United States alone, hundreds of different dating sites and matchmaking services are available.

The growing prevalence of the use of the Internet as a dating mechanism is revolutionizing people's traditional views of love and romance. This new concept of love embodied by virtual dating is moving away from traditional courtship and more towards intellectual love fed to us by the media and other "professionals" (Cate and Lloyd, 1992). I will be looking at the history of dating, and proving how the change dating habits and trends allows for the growth of online dating and its services.

Many people have misconceptions and misunderstandings about the true nature of online dating. Why would people resort to using a computer, a non-physical and non-intimate medium, to find love? Why can't people just be confident and try real-life dating? The most common stigma associated with online dating is that only the socially-awkward "losers" choose to use online dating services. There is a range of other stereotpyes associated with online dating, and many of them have negative connotations. Internet geeks, mature-aged men who seek youthful women, pedophiles, liars/cheats, and desperate men and women are some of these stereotypes (Irving, 2004). However, many of these stigmas are invalid and outdated misconceptions. More and more, people are coming to accept online dating and recongizing its advantages. In my research project, I hope to dissolve all the myths and misconceptions surrounding online dating. However, I am not saying that online dating ideal for everyone. There are certain aspects of old-fashioned dating that online dating sites just cannot provide.

What exactly is online dating and how does it work?

The M/Cyclopedia of New Media defines online dating as "a number of websites that offer services to individuals or groups who wish to meet people online for social, romantic or even sexual relationship, which is a significant feature for Internet user" (Bosworth et al., 2005).

In the United States alone, residents spent $469.5 million on online dating and personals in 2004 (Online dating service, 2005). Many sites are broad-based, but other sites are more specific. Members can register on different sites on the basis of the type of members, interests, location, or relationship desired. The process involved in meeting another person online varies from site to site (Walmsley, 2005). However, online dating sites usually ask their members to fill out a basic questionnaire which includes personal information such as lifestyle, working hours, or even eating habits. After filling out this questionnaire, users can search for their potential match in the member database. With the innovation of new technological devices, additional services (such as photo uploads, webcasts, message boards, and online chatrooms) have been added to various dating sites. Online dating is constantly revolutionizing to meet the demands and needs of the newer generations.



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INTRODUCTION TO ONLINE DATING Is the Internet, via online dating, an effective medium for newer generations to build romantic relationships and find their potential partners in the post-modern world? My website will specifically address this question by looking at both the advantages and disadvantages of online dating sites, and critically assessing the future of virtual relationships. "In the unpredictable, oftentimes turbulent world of dating, with its ups and downs, twists and turns and momentary fluctuations of the heart, a growing number of tech-savvy singles are turning their attention (and their hearts) to the Internet for their custom-made version of Mr. or Mrs. Right" (Foston, 2005). This quote shows how the Internet has become an important medium through which people find their soul mates. The increasing usage of the Internet has fostered the growth of online communication via instant messaging, chatrooms, e-mails, and blogs. More and more people are forming virtual relationships, making the Internet an integral part of our lives. The Internet is even becoming accepted as a social space for developing romantic relationships. In the United States alone, hundreds of different dating sites and matchmaking services are available. The growing prevalence of the use of the Internet as a dating mechanism is revolutionizing people's traditional views of love and romance. This new concept of love embodied by virtual dating is moving away from traditional courtship and more towards intellectual love fed to us by the media and other "professionals" (Cate and Lloyd, 1992). I will be looking at the history of dating, and proving how the change dating habits and trends allows for the growth of online dating and its services. Many people have misconceptions and misunderstandings about the true nature of online dating. Why would people resort to using a computer, a non-physical and non-intimate medium, to find love? Why can't people just be confident and try real-life dating? The most common stigma associated with online dating is that only the socially-awkward "losers" choose to use online dating services. There is a range of other stereotpyes associated with online dating, and many of them have negative connotations. Internet geeks, mature-aged men who seek youthful women, pedophiles, liars/cheats, and desperate men and women are some of these stereotypes (Irving, 2004). However, many of these stigmas are invalid and outdated misconceptions. More and more, people are coming to accept online dating and recongizing its advantages. In my research project, I hope to dissolve all the myths and misconceptions surrounding online dating. However, I am not saying that online dating ideal for everyone. There are certain aspects of old-fashioned dating that online dating sites just cannot provide. What exactly is online dating and how does it work? The M/Cyclopedia of New Media defines online dating as "a number of websites that offer services to individuals or groups who wish to meet people online for social, romantic or even sexual relationship, which is a significant feature for Internet user" (Bosworth et al., 2005). In the United States alone, residents spent $469.5 million on online dating and personals in 2004 (Online dating service, 2005). Many sites are broad-based, but other sites are more specific. Members can register on different sites on the basis of the type of members, interests, location, or relationship desired. The process involved in meeting another person online varies from site to site (Walmsley, 2005). However, online dating sites usually ask their members to fill out a basic questionnaire which includes personal information such as lifestyle, working hours, or even eating habits. After filling out this questionnaire, users can search for their potential match in the member database. With the innovation of new technological devices, additional services (such as photo uploads, webcasts, message boards, and online chatrooms) have been added to various dating sites. Online dating is constantly revolutionizing to meet the demands and needs of the newer generations.
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