Computer dating or online dating has become widespread all over the world since the IT technology is available at such low prices. Busy singles, especially those who are already at an age when they don't have the patience to date in real life for months or years before establishing a relationship are the best clients of online dating services, be them free or paid. Internet dating is very convenient, as you don't have to go out a lot and spend money in order to meet people. Only think how it would be if you needed to relocate to a foreign country, with no friends and with a very busy schedule. When would you have the time to meet people? If never is not an answer, you'd probably see the need for an online dating service to help you.

The idea is that dating profiles can't be trusted. I can set up a very nice profile, with photos taken from image banks, making myself an unbelievable personality, so lots of other members of those dating networks would love to meet me. I can be a 90 years old bored granny pretending I'm a 40 years hot lady, willing to meet love for once more in my life. I can really make a lot of males waste their time and salivate over the keyboard, while I laugh and have fun with my crazy gin-rummy partners.

And that was only an innocent example. What if I was a murderer, a psycho, trying to attract people to meet me in real life, then kill them or try to abuse them?

Free online dating sites are usually moderated by humans, but you can't actually be sure that they really check the profiles of their members, as this is partially impossible. Anybody can fake his religion, for instance. I could be a jewish playing in christian dating websites, or muslim dating websites, with the purpose of having fun or who knows what else.

Online dating services are a great help for miserable singles, but everybody should pay attention in order to avoid being scammed.

Dating services are good if you pay attention to a few details and stay alert.

First of all, never agree to meet somebody in person immediately after you've got connected to each other in an online dating service, be it free or paid. Take your time, exchange emails, exchange photos, share impressions about the places you've visited, about the books you've read, about life and everything else that pops to your mind. Pay attention to what your potential future partner tells you, the way he talks, the words he uses. If something doesn't seem right, get lost. You aren't looking to bring trouble into your life, are you? Your online dating is supposed to get you a reliable, trustworthy partner to share your life with him, or to offer you some great moments in the company of persons you enjoy. You don't need trouble, I repeat.

Webcams are cheap these days. If you don't have one, go buy it, then ask the people you're dating online to buy one too, so you can see each other in real time. This is great, but still, be very cautious. If after a while you decide your so-called future date is safe and reliable, you may make the step of meeting each other in person. For your protection, choose a public place and tell your friends where you are going, so somebody else knows about you in case things go wrong. You could even ask one of your friends to give you a phone call at a time you agree, which should be at some point in your meeting with your online dating partner.

If you have kids, especially teens, you'd better discuss with them about online dating, so they know what's all about. You don't have to forbid them to use such services, because they can do it anyway, with or without your consent, so it's better that they share with you their stories. Let them loose, but keep an eye on their online dates if you can and always make sure to let them hear about the dangters of online dating when crossing the border to the real life.