My friend has an online boyfriend from the UK. Talking to him really makes her happy, and they know that their relationship isn't based on appearances because he has never seen a picture of her. But she doesn't get to talk to him much. She often says she misses him, and so I used to tell her that I didn't think online relationships are all that great. But it's become clear that they just talk, and he's not a stalker or someone out to hurt her.
But I would never have an online relationship myself, nor would I ever suggest it. I often wonder whether my friend might be better off without one, but I can't persuade her. So I've put my doubts on hold.

It depends on a lot of things. If I meet the person in a chatroom at 2 in the afternoon, I would feel more comfortable talking to them than if I met them at 2 in the morning. If I were to meet someone from the internet, I would have to be convinced that I would probably feel safe around this person, and I would want a picture of them first. If I did meet them, I would definetly bring a friend...or 5...

Hey I've met people offline before. But would I do it again? No, cause I've realized how sick and idiotic they are. I could have died but I was lucky. So I think on the lines of that my life depends on it. So to all you young people... ur life depends on it. You can't trust everybody. Just 1 person could make u miss the rest of ur life.... so think about it. I know I sound hipocritical but after awhile u stop trusting people.

Well, i have to be honest, if it wasn't for the internet, my boyfriend and i would have never met...(yes, i'm gay; deal with it).

I'm not, against cyberdating, but you reallly have to be careful and be aware of the possibility that the person on the other end could very well be a 75 year old child mollester looking for another victim, but on the other hand, the person could also be sincere and be telling you the truth.

So trade photos, stories, and chat for a while before you decide to meet. This way, you both have the opportunity to learn more about each other so you don't end up wasting your time when you meet.

But play it safe. If you do decide to meet, do it in a public place (like a mall or amusement park).

Good luck to all!

:D:D:D:D:D

KAY PEEPS,
I HATE TO SAY THIS BUT I HAVE TRIED INTERNET DATING AND I WOULDN'T RECOMEND IT UNLESS YOU TRUELY KNOW THE PERSON FACE TO FACE AND IT'S YOUR ONLY WAY OF CONTACT.
A LOT CAN HAPPEN TO YOU IF YOU TRY THIS. YOU COULD BE PUSHED INTO GIVING INFO YOU DIDN'T WANT THAT PERSON TO KNOW.
JUST TAKE IT FROM ME AND DON'T TRY IT.

Internet dating is fine, and harmless.....

That is if you really care about it enough. Most of these people have noting better to do... it's really easy to get signed up. A six-year old could do it if he wanted to. I signed up in about five minutes.

I liked it for a couple days, but then.... it got reeeallly reaaallyy boring. I stopped, and so should all of you. It's pointless. Get involved in programs n' stuff and meet people there.

Frankly it's not even just the safty issue of safty, though that's impotant, that worries me. When people chat on the internet, well we lie, and we lie alot. There is a certin freedom when you type something on a screen that you don't have in a face to face meeting. There is no chance that these people will meet your friends and find out what you are really like. Some times we do it openly, playing obviously invented charecters, but the whole point is I think there is a serious difference between us inperson and our online persona. Any way I think it is dangerous to meet a complete stranger, but if your heck bent on doing it, bring plenty of friends. Big burly friends to a nice public place.

I personaly think that its very stupid...u never now who u are talkin to..imean for all you no the person could say they were 15 but be like 40..yes its sick but its very true.

I don't think it is safe to meer people online becasue you never know who you are really talking to. It could be a 60 yar old pervert for all you know. It is so much safer to meet people in person. I am totally against internet dating. I don't know how it could even be considered dating anyways because you never met the person so how can you say you have a bofriend?

I think meeting someone online and possibly dating is a good idea because you get to know the actual person, and their personality, instead of just judging them by their looks. You get to know the person, and then when/if you meet, you're more likely to over look any physical flaws becase you know what the person is actually like. *Always talk to the person for a long time and make sure they are who they say they are before meeting them*

I know that there are decent people out there just like you who are just looking to have a good conversation, but then again, there are the freaky people out there too who pretend to want a good conversation, and then trick you into doing something that you probably wouldn't normally do, so are Internet hook-ups really worth it? Is it really worth possibly endangering your life for an hour or two chat? I don't really think so.

I think that it is okay just as long as you be careful, that means do a background check, and don't give out any personal information out. But say if you have a cell phone then you could give that out but as far as home phone numbers and addresses and passwords I dont think so.

I am personally against this issue, however i believe that no one has the authority to tell you u cant...its your choice...its your life...take the risk if you wish or dont...all i know is that whatever you chose to do no one can stop you, but just be careful

i'd have to say that the decision of whether or not to meet people in life that you met online is your own decision. I myself have met several people of the net. None of them were ex-murderers straight out of prison or anything. they were normal people. of course my advice would be to get to know them onlien before meeting them offline. just to be safe

I think it is only fine once you:
a) Been talking for a year or more
b) Seen them on web cam!
c) Heard them on mic, etc...
d) If you're under the age of 18, maybe you should bring someone along with you, just in case.

But most people out there are normal people, just like you and me. Then again, that "Mary Jane" you're talking to could turn out to be a 50 year old pervert. You just have to get to know the person before you do anything commited, like meeting. Once you get over the basics and are still getting along, then YES, you should meet them!

Case and point being is that we are now in the generation where we are digitally dependent. I know I am! There are a lot of horror stories out there but there are a lot of sucessful stories too. Not everyone that meets someone online ends up being some wayout nutjob! But the ones that are made public are those really nasty stories. Certain things just shouldnt happen. Like with normal dating, you always bring a safe person on blind dates. You never know! Same should apply to online dating and never do it if you don't feel comfortable. (Sames rules are regular dating etiquette) Its better safe than sorry and to remember that the same way you might give a little fib about age or whatnot online, others do the same! But returning to my beginning statement on being digitally dependent. In olden times, people would meet and correspond through letters and not meet until much later. That type of dating was acceptable. Why can't this one be too and taken seriously when done right?

Well if the person is heavy set or ugly... you shouldn't judge them because of that. If you talked to them for a certain period of time and got to know them for who they are. It still shouldn't be a problem to at least continue a friendship with them if yer not comfortable with a relationship. But thats just my opinion .......

I personally wouldn't do it. But there is decent ppl out there that wouldn't take advantage of you. I feel that if you feel comfortable talkin to this person and that you would like to meet them in person to go for it. Like many others have said while in the process of gettin to know them, not to give out yer address and phone numbers for yer own safety, ya never know what could happen.

i dont think that dating on the internet is safe cause for all you know it could be a man on the net trying to meet teens and rape them or some thing but you never know. and plus ive heard that alot of peope who got and meet people over the net like 40% of them end up dead.

I don't really think online dating is a good idea. I did it a few times, and I broke up with the guy I was going out with a couple of weeks later, b/c I didn't really know him, and I felt sort of uncomfortable doing it. I think getting to know somebody like for years is a better way to date then to online date. You really don't know if the guy or girl you're dating is really that age. I had to learn that the hard way. I'm happy with the guy that I'm going out with now, b/c he goes to my church, and he really knows how to make a girl feel worthwhile.