There is a huge number of social networks and dating websites out there. Their number tends to grow with more and more similar services debuted every day.
Since there are so many services available, it's obvious that people are really interested in establishing relationships, meeting new persons and, who knows, maybe even marrying. However, romance started online simply doesn't last, Queensland University of Technology relationships psychologist Dr Matthew Bambling said.
"At first blush the person seems very popular - they might receive 200 replies so they get a lot more attention than if they had walked into bar. It gives a feeling of being powerful. The online environment doesn't have the conventions and context of a real life meeting and so online interactions can have a bigger impact on a person," Dr. Bambling explained.
In most cases, people met over the Internet are different from real life and many of them actually lie about their age, height and other characteristics. Obviously, they want to describe themselves as attractive as possible. However, this may have serious consequences if people get involved too emotionally, psychologists think.
"When they do meet, often the other person is not always what they had imagined but if they are already emotionally invested they go out anyway. They can end up wasting a lot of time trying to make it work."
In order to be able to find somebody you really like through an online dating service, it's better to meet him/her as soon as possible, Dr. Bambling said. Moreover, it would be easier to break off with somebody if you go out just for a coffee than going out for dinner.
"If someone's got your interest online don't leave it too long to meet. Don't have dinner, have a coffee instead - the pressure of having to sit through a whole dinner if you realize the person is not what you imagined is not worth it, and you can go your separate ways less awkwardly after a coffee."
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