Dating: Getting to KnowYouaccess to a person’s personal information
and the ability of users to lie about their
identity or marital status.However,any
dating relationship has risks,and with
online dating on the rise,many who
actually use the services are becoming
more confident about its safety (Madden
& Lenhart,2006).
Meeting someone new is frequently
accompanied by a great deal of
excitement.However,there are some
important safeguards when using online
dating services.The electronic dating
relationship involves stages similar to that
of“in-person”dating.A couple might e-
mail for a few months to get to know one
another.This then may evolve into phonecalls andeventually a meeting in a public
place.Asking questions,especially about
religion and spirituality,can prevent
investing emotionally in a relationship
doomed to fail.One internet dater said:
“I’m learning that while online services
can be a tool in the dating game,we still
must trust God for all things and listen to
the Holy Spirit’s leading”(EverythingYou
Need,2005,para.12).Another online
dater gives this advice:“Make sure you
don’t have major unresolved problems in
your life.That new significant other isn’t
going to fix them for you...If you try
online dating for a couple of months and
it doesn’t work out,either accept that now
isn’t the time to be looking,or go look
somewhere else.You have to accept what
God has planned for you.Pray and let him
lead you to the right place to find a date
and/or spouse”(Everything you need,
2005,para.15,18).
Regardless of the concerns for safety,
many find lasting relationships through
online services.Estimates are that more
than 120,000 marriages a year occur as a
result of online dating (Online Dating
Magazine,2007).Going slowly and
patience are the two most important tips
according to an internet dater who
married as a result of the experience.This
success story goes on,“Our relationship
has been an example of trusting in what
God has in store for you and knowing that
it may not be what you expect”
(Everything you need,2005,para.19).Many people are using the internet to enhance
their search for a compatible mate.PeterScholey/Photographer’sChoiceRF/GettyImages