With the sharp increase in the number of internet users, online dating has likewise continued to thrive. Online dating is currently occupying the largest proportion of paid up advertisement on the web. With more than a thousand dating sites available today,competition for matchmaking has become an all important aspect of the big players in the market. It is imperative to note that when a big player in finance, technology sets sight on online dating, then there is money to be made.

Initially the idea of dating on the internet was associated with alot of social stigma.It was thought of as a way for social misfits to meet. Come the 90's and following the release of the Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan box office hit "You've Got Mail",online dating started being regarded as an effective and intelligent way for people to meet and even start relationships. Online dating become a favoured method especially for busy career people who had little time to socialize. With time it has caught on not only as a matter of necessity to meet people but also as a trendy thing to be involved in.

In traditional dating people are restricted to talking to people present in their social setting and people who one has no idea about their likes and dislikes or even their personal compatibility. Online dating provides the element of selectivity where the users are able to browse their potential partners profiles before actually communicating with them. There is also the advantage of not having to struggle with breaking ice as a simple hello in most cases often serves the purpose. There is also the option of selection, as there are thousands of people to choose from.

There are, however, some obvious dangers associated with online dating. The most common of these are false profiles leading to misconceptions and disappointments about potential partners and security issues such as date rape and kidnapping upon meeting people initially met on the internet. This does not make online dating an unsuitable choice as the same risks if not worse are encountered by those who stick to the traditional modes of dating.

All said and done, this fast growing dating method has brought a revolution to the world of dating as we know it.