Internet changing the face of dating
12 April 2007
Social networks have changed the face of dating enabling people to know more about their date than perhaps they would rather.
When before, one had to do their research through hearsay and a friend of a friend, the internet has made it possible to get first hand information on the social life and interests of a potential partner.
The most common phenomenon of checking up on a prospective date is "googling," enabling surfers to find out where their date went to university and what groups they have been involved with.
Facebook can give a more social insight. Daters can look at pictures of past partners, friends, travel experiences and get a great idea of what their date has been up to in recent weeks by reading wall postings.
David Silver, assistant professor of media studies at the University of San Francisco, told AP: "It seems like in contemporary dating, it is elaborate dance between two people who already know a lot of what their date is talking about, but they can't admit it.
"You nod your head with curiosity, but you already know what they're going to say."
However, no number of internet searches can tell you if you will have a spark with someone.
