Online dating has become much more mainstream over the past few years with more and more chat rooms and dating sites setting up. For many people modern day lifestyles leave little time for socialising and meeting new people the traditional way.

It's possible nowdays to meet your soulmate online as well as make friendships, some of which can last for many years.

Their are however some precautions you need to take in order to protect your personal safety and privacy.

1.) Avoid large public chat rooms where anything can (and does!) take place. Some people frequent these areas just to see what they can get away with. Instead, focus on smaller, more targeted web sites or chat rooms that match your interests or lifestyle. There are many online dating sites that cater to specific hobbies and several offer free trial memberships.

2.) When you find a dating site or chat room that matches your interests, introduce yourself with only as much information as you feel comfortable giving. Don't give your phone number or address out on the site, no matter how genuine some of the members seem.

You may find yourself regretting such decisions if you start to receive unwanted phone calls or texts, or worse end up with a stalker who finds out where you live!

3.) Check out new members profiles on the dating sites you join regularly, as well as participate in the forums and chat rooms. Keep your conversations low key until you start to form friendships with some of the regular members. If you don't know what to talk about, start off by chatting about any special interests and hobbies that brought you two together on the site in the first place.

4.) Keep your correspondence limited to the chat room and email until you feel comfortable enough with the member to share your phone number. Spend time getting to know the person by talking. Hearing the person's voice can give a lot away. Only meet in person if you feel comfortable enough. Listen to your senses and if you have any doubts or feelings of uncertainty then don't meet up.

5.) If you do decide to meet each other in person, choose somewhere that's public and neutral. It doesn't have to be in your home area. Restaurants, parks, theatres, and other public places where people gather often are a good place to start. Alternatively, you could choose to attend a special event in your area together, perhaps a concert, festival or fair. Either way, let friends or family know where you’re going and who you’re going with, as well as what time you’ll be returning so they’ll know how and where to reach you

6.) If you are interested in several online profiles or chat room members, you could consider setting up a free email account as well as a post office box. This way if you decide that you don't "click" with this person you won't feel as if you have given any personal contact information away.

By taking these safety precautions chances are you will have a great time with your online dates. Be honest and be yourself as this will increase the chances of finding that special someone who likes you for who you are!