More and more people are finding the person of their dreams at the click of a mouse.
According to the NETucation report - Online Dating In South Africa In 2004 - between 200 000 and 250 000 South Africans have tried online dating and the market is worth approximately R20-million - making it one of the four big applications of the Internet after email, banking and news.
Research shows that the average online dating service user is between 24 and 32, single with a tertiary qualification, working in IT or finance, and earning more than R10 000 a month.
They say they are motivated to use the service because they are disillusioned with the bar and club scene, have fast-paced lifestyles, are concerned about the high divorce rate and are considering marriage later on.
The most popular online dating service is DatingBuzz ( www.datingbuzz.com), according to the survey, and it's become so accessible that you can even pay your subscription to the website at the EasyPay services at supermarkets.
This is how the dating service works: you register as a member free of charge on the website.
This means you are entered into the site's database with a username and your profile is displayed to other site users.
You may then receive mail from interested suitors. In order for you to catch the attention of other Mr/Ms Rights by sending emails from your username to theirs, you will need to pay a subscription fee.
All well and good. But what about the whackos out there who prey on lonely hearts? The website gives basic safety tips to help users stay safe.
- Create the right impression. Make sure your profile is not misleading. Give the wrong idea and you'll be sure to get the wrong response, or no responses at all.
- Think about what you say. When contacting another member for the first time, or responding to a message, think about it.
As tempting as it may be to walk up to a stranger at a party and place a hand on their sexy butt, chances are you wouldn't. So don't do it online, unless of course there is a large sign that says "Touch Me!"
- Personal details. The greatest thing about being online is the safety and privacy it affords you. Just be careful. When you start corresponding with people, don't give out your personal details too early. Build up a sense of mutual trust first. Keep your last name, telephone number, email address, place of work and exact family details private until you are ready to share them.
- Don't be pushed. Watch out for people pressing you for your personal details too early and too often. Also, hang back on meeting off-line until you are ready.
- Inconsistencies. Keep an eye out for changes in content and style in the messages you receive. If Mr Loving Kindness suddenly starts sounding like Carlos the Jackal on testosterone, it may be an idea to back off or move on.
- Meeting off-line. This is the big one! You mailed each other, chatted and are ready to take the plunge and meet for real. Make your first few meetings in public places, ideally at lunchtime if you can. If you have a mobile phone, take it with you and possibly take a pre-arranged call. Tell someone where you are going and try to have plans for after your date - don't be caught out with "so what are you doing after dinner?". Have your answer ready. Don't give out your home or work address.
And guys, all this applies to you too. The chances of being taken for a ride by women may be less, but don't discount it. Most importantly, relax, have fun and keep things safe.