Just about everything else on the internet is now accessible via your mobile phone, so why not online dating as well? It makes a lot of sense, really, because so many people now connect to the internet as much (or even more) using their mobile phone than using their laptop or desktop computer.

The latest online dating service to “go mobile” is Zoosk, which claims to be the “world’s largest social dating community”. They actually are offering two different applications, one that’s strictly for mobile phones and one that’s designed to bring the online dating experience directly onto your computer desktop. It’s easier than ever to always have Zoosk at your fingertips, right? Right!

But is this kind of approach really a good thing?

It’s already frustrating enough dealing with poor mobile phone etiquette, how much more annoying is it going to be to have lots more people focused on their online dating activities this way as well? Imagine sitting in a meeting where the person next to you is receiving updates, winks, virtual gifts, and the like, throughout; and you thought simple texting was bothersome!

And what happens when you’re out with one person on a date but you receive messages from another person at the same time? Imagine the raft of new excuses you’re going to need… “That was my mother calling”… “It was a wrong number”… “I’ll just call them back later”… these old tired excuses just might not cut it anymore?

This is all a bit ‘tongue in cheek’ of course, but the underlying issue is something to think about. If you want the latest in convenience and accessibility for online dating then by all means look for a service like Zoosk that offers a mobile application. If, however, you’re not quite ready to be THAT accessible, think carefully before allowing this kind of application to invade your mobile phone!

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There are a number of books now available on how to start and run a successful online dating site. Not only can you create a site that caters to your own love needs and desires, but you can also start making a living from the ever growing and ever popular world of online dating.

To begin, you need to have an idea that you already know you would sign up for – after all, if you’re not interested in signing up for your site, why would anyone else be? Start by looking around at the various sites that are available, and make lists of what you feel is missing from the other sites. Or you can take one site that you really like and make a list of the things that would make it perfect.

Then, you need to get a little background in how to set up a website – don’t worry, it’s not that difficult. Take a few classes in site building and read as many books as you can.

You will find that once you have the site set up, it’s easy to update and it’s easy to let run on its own. After a while, not only will be make some extra money, but you will also be able to find some dates.

Not a bad combination at all – work and pleasure, combined.

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While it might seem that online dating safety tips are the hot topic for discussion these days, are you paying attention?

The Internet is a faceless world and because of that anonymity, it can be difficult to spot someone who might not have the best intentions for a relationship – or who might be truly dangerous. You don’t have the opportunity to see their eyes or listen to their tone of voice – and honestly, you don’t really know if their name or their picture is really them.

Is online dating doomed then? Not by a long shot.

Here are some tips that you can use to make sure that you’re staying safe as you search for the right match.

• Don’t give out personal information (address, last name, workplace)
• Don’t meet up with someone too quickly
• When you do choose to meet up in person, have a friend come with you or choose a public place
• If you feel like something’s wrong, it probably is – discontinue talking to the person
• Don’t believe everything you see/hear
• When you feel that you are being harassed, let the online dating site monitors know – they can alert other members
• Establish a long running communication with a person before you decide to meet up – become friends first and then decide if you trust them enough to take it to the next level
• Be honest in your profile – don’t write things that you don’t meet (you can attract the wrong person!)

While this might all seem like common sense, the faceless nature of the Internet can make everyone seem like a great person, but this isn’t necessarily the case.

When in doubt, be safe first. There are plenty of honest people who go to online dating sites; you just have to be patient and find them.

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