Internet dating and matchmaking is big business as singles of all ages seek to find relationships.  There are dozens of sites and millions of users.  Some are looking for casual sex but most are seeking friendship, romantic relationships and love.

Given their prevalence, it seems likely that online dating systems have begun to influence not only individual lives but also cultural notions of love and attraction with their overflowing catalogues of potential partners and their sometimes idiosyncratic choices of personal characteristics to highlight.

It used to be that if you heard of someone looking for a date online, you may have thought in the back of your mind that they might have a screw loose.   Well, if you still think that way you just might be missing the boat on a hugely popular way of finding your soul mate, or at least a date!   Maybe you're not into the bar scene or maybe the grocery aisle isn't your idea of a great place to find your next husband.    Times have changed in the last 10 years or so and you might be surprised at how easy it is to find someone special online.   There are literally hundreds of websites out there that exist for one reason only… finding you a compatible partner.   But as in the "real" world, there are a few things to consider before you jump in head first!