Although online dating used to be the last resort for the less lucky in dating, it has now waved off that stigma becoming a popular means for millions of bachelors and bachelorettes to connect. Singles are meeting new people and finding potential love matches each and every day. Now more then ever before, net courtship is gaining widespread, mainstream acceptance. Even older couples are meeting online and falling in love.

The numbers are astonishing. The online dating industry is enormous. Google online dating and you’ll find thousands upon thousands of dating sites like eHarmony or JackFoundJill. It’s really a thriving market. It makes sense too. People are turning to the web more and more to work and play, so why not throw romance into the mix? And as the number of online dating sites increases, they are become more exclusive too.

If you’re on the discriminate side, niche online dating sites can make all the difference. Niche sites are matchmaking services that are aimed at a single uniting factor like ethnic background or religious beliefs; however, there are tons of other niche sites. In fact there are niche sites for practically all interests. If you’re into online gaming, there’s a niche site for that. There are niche sites catered to dog lovers, bike enthusiasts, body art aficionados and the list goes on and on.

If you’re interested in it, you can bet that there’s a dating site out there.

Many people, those who have never participated in online dating, are quick to question why. What’s the point, they wonder. Why would you want to date someone who you’ve never met in person, never seen in the flesh? It’s a legitimate question, the internet after all, isn’t known for being the safest, most reputable place to find a date.

And traditionally, it is a good thing to know what your date looks like, in person.

Online daters however, are not daunted by the critics. They’re generally tired of the old hanging out in bars bit. They don’t want to sit around just waiting for the right person to come along. It may not happen. Online however, it’s a different world altogether. The internet is world wide. You can meet people from everywhere, not just your hometown. You’re not limited. Communication is instantaneous and there are millions of possibilities. It’s also a lot more relaxing to be able to chat with someone from the comfort of your own home, too. There’s no fear of face to face rejection. It’s easier to find people with similar likes and dislikes.

Having someone to talk to, especially in rough times can be very helpful. Online dating is great just for finding people to share your stories with. A lot of people make lifelong friends through online dating.

Those who criticize online dating fail to realize that all the deceptions and lies that seem to plague the online dating scene are also characteristic of meatspace dating.

Online dating sites offer real value to those looking for love. Jayde Johanssen recognises the online dating universe is nothing more than a cyber mirror image of the real dating universe. Another opportunity for love, nothing sinister.