In just a couple of short decades, online dating services have transformed dramatically. What were once places where “losers” went to find love are now considered an integral part of the modern dating process. Along the way, of course, a number of online dating service companies have made a tremendous amount of money.

Now, however, there is a serious threat to these services on the horizon. With the rise in social networking sites like Facebook.com, MySpace.com, and the like, more and more people are looking for ways to search those huge databases of singles for their perfect match. And since social networking sites are generally free, a safe and secure dating module created for such sites could very well be the “killer app” that puts a dent in the profits of paid online dating services.

And if that dating application were free? Well, that might just be enough to put many of the smaller online dating services out of business completely. The larger services like Match.com, eHarmony.com, Lavalife, and Cupid.com would likely find a way to still compete, but I suspect they would have to make some significant changes to stay in the game. This might come in the form of adjusting their fees, adding more value to their services, or some other “killer app” of their own that hasn’t been developed yet.

Which approach would be better? Are you more likely to find a match via paid online dating services or via one of the extremely popular social networking sites? Nobody knows for sure quite yet because the “killer app” for dating on social networking sites hasn’t been developed yet. The one thing that’s for sure, though, is that the online dating scene is poised to see some huge changes in the next few years. It’s going to be an exciting ride!

News & Views Facebook, Killer App, MySpace, Social Networking

It seems as though everyone has an online profile somewhere on the web. And for most of us, we’re actually on multiple networking sites – some for work, some for fun, and some with a mix of both of our needs.

Let’s look at two of the most popular – Facebook and MySpace.

Both of these sites have ways that you can proclaim your single-ness to the rest of the world, allowing you to have a free way to meet dates online. But is it really as effective as it might seem? Or are traditional dating sites the way to go?

Here are the pros of networking sites:

• They offer you a look into the personality of your date
• They can give you a sense of who they hang out with
• You can look at their profile before talking to them
• They’re free to use!

But here are the cons of using networking sites as dating sites:

• They can lead to long term issues with people bugging you for dates
• They can lure less than truthful people to your profile
• The security risk is higher

Just as with any website for dating, there are positives and negatives, so you need to weigh the risks before heading into the dating pool of these sites. But the good news? You don’t have to accept anyone as a friend until you’re completely sure you want them to be a friend.

Choose your friends wisely, and you might find your dating life spicing up.

Reviews Chat, Facebook, Friends, MySpace, Social Networking

If you don’t already have a MySpace profile, you’re one of the few. Nearly everyone has one or more mySpace pages and profiles that are helping to connect people across the globe. And because you get to list your marital status and your reason for being on the webpage, you can easily use your page for a subtle online dating scene.

Without the obvious push towards dating on MySpace, you have the ability to talk with others that you might want to date WITHOUT the pressure. Simply accept new friends or don’t – the rejection is painless. And because you are usually found through your friends, it is nearly a matchmaking system as well. If your friends accepted that person, maybe you should too.

While you can use MySpace as a dating tool, you need to remember that many people use MySpace and other social networking sites to chat and make friends – don’t assume people are there to find a date.

When you are looking to make MySpace your dating tool, you will want to follow these tips:

• Have a good picture on your page, maybe several in your photo album
• Don’t have pictures with other dates you’ve been on – that can make you look attached and unavailable
• Take some time creating a fun page that highlights your interests and your personality
• Talk to someone else that has a mySpace page you like to get advice
• Read through profiles over MySpace to meet other people

By using the MySpace format, you will be able to converse with other potential dates – all without providing your email address or other personal information. It’s safe, it’s free, and it’s fun for everyone to try.

Do you have any comments, complaints or something to say about MySpace.com? Did you meet someone special on this site? If so, we’d love to hear from you. Your opinion matters!

Leave a comment on: MySpace.com.

Reviews Chat, Friends, Fun, Hobbies, Meet People, MySpace, Social Networking