Internet dating has lost much of its negative stigma that only awkward or desperate people would try to find love online. It is now one of the fastest growing ways to improve your social life and is influencing not only individual lives but our cultural notions of love and attraction. We identify desirable partners in the traditional way using sensory perception and personal interaction, but with the advent of the Internet and online dating, the process has been completely redefined.

Back in 1995, the only way to meet someone was through friends, colleagues, work, nightclubs and blind dates. Online dating came on the scene in 2000 and began to slowly emerge as the Internet became accessible to more people. Online dating is now a $300 million industry in the U.S. alone, and according to the US Census, 40% of American singles have tried finding love online. So why should you consider foregoing the traditional dating routine for the Internet? Although the best strategy would be to take advantage of both, here are some reasons to give online dating a try.

Timer Saver

There’s just no way to compare the vast number of people you can check out online or the huge amount of time you’ll save. If you’re interested in five posted profiles, you can make an email connection immediately and weed out the ones with no potential in a matter of minutes. The same process in real life dating would mean meeting five separate individuals and sitting through the possible agony of disinterest and wasted time.

Another time-saving bonus is the ability to check out the field of prospects at any time of day or night. With the web available 24/7, you can meet people when it’s most convenient for you and you don’t have to wait until the weekend to meet someone. You can log on any time of day and you’ll find someone waiting to chat.

Getting to the Nitty-Gritty

Online dating provides the opportunity to be upfront and personal about who you are and what kind of person you hoping to find, without the awkwardness may accompany such a discussion. If, for example, you have a strong preference for a particular religion, race or political position, you can specify those factors into your profile. On the other hand, in real life dating, it may take several dates before you get around to talking about those same sensitive issues. There are sites specifically designed for people with strong preferences – pet lovers, vegetarians, Christianity, you name it.

Local or Global Scope

One of the more obvious advantages to using an online dating service is the expanded area for your search. Whether local, regional or global, the number of potential prospects is only limited by your willingness to be adventurous. Access to this many people is virtually impossible when dating the “traditional way” out in the “real world”.

Is the Cost worth the Effort?

Many people question whether using a dating services is worth the money. But if you compare the fees against the money you would spend on coffee, drinks or dinner for a traditional meet-and-greet, you would quickly see that in comparison the cost is reasonable.

If you use an online dating service in conjunction with traditional ways of meeting people, there will be more opportunities to find that special someone. And you won’t waste any more time in the same old haunts waiting for your soul mate to jump out of the woodwork. One month’s membership costs less than a night out and gives you hundreds of opportunities to meet your perfect partner – every night!