How Social Networks Provide a Better Way to Date Online

According to a study conducted by JupiterResearch, in the next five years, consumers will increasingly rely upon the internet to find their dates and mates. As the result, the profits of online dating sites will increase from $900 million in 2007 to $1.9 billion in 2012. However, the big question is, "Are online dating sites really effective?"

Jerry Kaplan, Founder of Winster.com and former CEO of Egghead.com states, "Online dating sites like Yahoo! Personals and Match.com have the 'nightclub' effect. Everyone in the world knows why you are there and what you are looking for." On the other hand, social networks are free from such deleterious side effects. Here you causally mingle with other like minded members, very much like in the real world, make friends and by chance, even find your date.

Some More Beneficial Features of Social Networks

The prime objective of almost all online dating sites is to help people find compatible partners. A majority of members of these sites have a very lonely and disappointing experience. Long before the advent of the internet, we relied upon our friends to help us make new connections, make us realize who the right choice is and who to avoid, give a patient ear to our gripes and grouses and nurse our insecurities.

Today, social networking sites make the entire online dating process very social. Your online friends can help you to improve your profile, introduce you to suitable and compatible singles, participate in conversations and give honest suggestions. Even if you face rejection, you have a shoulder to cry upon. All in all, there are no disappointments, no loneliness and no worries. You just have fun with friends and that's the reason why you hook to your social network each day.

Another major benefit of social network is that they provide a wide range of choices. You can find singles according to your likings, interests, preferences and even hobbies. There is no pressure upon you to engage yourself in any kind of romantic liaison. Due to this, you make yourself reachable and accessible more easily, and thereafter romantic magic is bound to happen.

In addition to conventional social networks, there are specialty social networking sites. These networks focus on a particular topic like cars, adventurous sports, volunteering, dining, et al and cater to a specific cadre of people. Such sites not only keep the essence of online dating intact, but also make the whole process extremely easy and enjoyable.

Social Networks and the Associated Safety Concerns

As per the study conducted by Pew Internet Research, 66% of internet users felt that safety and privacy are essential factors that cannot be overlooked with regards to online dating. Social networks are well aware of these concerns of internet users, and for this reason, they leave no stone unturned to keep the privacy and safety of the members intact.

Unlike the traditional dating sites, where members normally exaggerate their characteristics to create a good impression, the profiles on the social networks are typically genuine because the primary intention here is not dating, but only friendship. In a bid to enhance safety, some social networking sites even check the background of the potential members to ascertain their marital status and whether or not they have any criminal records.

In nutshell, social networking sites certainly provide a better way to date online. So, join anyone of them and catch the fun.