Hi-tech Dating

By Author: Oksana Boichenko
Total Articles: 11
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E-mails, text messages, voice mails, MMS, instant messaging and social networks - all these innovations, devices and hi-tech developments have made it possible to make a love connection being anywhere, doing anything. However, even given all the convenience, there are certain things to watch for to make a great hi-tech connection.
E-mail
E-mail has become nearly the most popular form of communication nowadays, e-mail address is given out as frequently (if not more) than phone numbers. The up side is that such form of communication is a safe and easy way to connect and learn more about the person without taking on the strain of phone conversation or personal meeting. The down side of such approach is that an email is also very easy to ignore, or it can get lost in spam messages, and you have virtually no way to monitor that. If you have not received a response to an email from someone you are trying to connect with, it is quite acceptable to send a follow up message - just to make sure the message did reach the addressee. However, it is not advisable to send more than two emails is really not advisable ...
... - if a person is not interested in communication, your persistence may be perceived as troublesome or annoying.
However, the ease of email communication is also the downfall of it: by getting used to sitting at home in front of a computer screen, many people are missing an opportunity to go out and meet someone in the real world. Chances of finding a match online seem very high, but make sure that you don't leave your communication only in virtual mode: it's tempting to keep digging through thousands of profiles looking for that one perfect person, but you must balance online communication with time for meeting in person. Instead of chasing a dream, make time for personal contact with people who make you feel good, with whom you have common interests - chances are, you can develop a good relationship.
Text messages
Another great alternative to keeping in touch is texting. It is a wonderful option to say something short and sweet - enough to let someone know what's happening in your life and that you are thinking about him/her, yet not too pushy to make you look desperate. MMS is another great alternative, as picture - we all know - is worth a thousand words! Text messages should never be used for solving serious relationship issues, as they will never match up to a wholesome conversation.
Texting also seems to be an easy tool for flirting (subtly or not), so keep this in mind. Define your objectives and evaluate the situation accordingly. Some women suggest that text messages with invitations to a man's house or a bar should not be answered, unless preliminary arrangements were made. It gives men the wrong idea, so to speak: what's the point of arranging actual dates or working hard at arranging your meetings, if you can be summoned with a simple text message?
Instant messaging
Instant messaging is an option that can be considered a form of communication that is one level up from e-mail and text messaging: you have the advantages of virtual communication at your convenience (as with e-mail) and the possibility of quick response (as with text messaging). Many people prefer instant messaging for getting to know their potential dates, as it gives instant responses, has much less of a chance to manipulate and edit what is being said, gives a clear idea of a person's reactions, and is almost like a conversation.
As with most forms of online communication, instant messaging is best not used for settling serious issues of a relationship. It leaves too much room for misunderstanding and does not give an option to discuss the situation, which often leads to hurt feelings and damaging a relationship.
Social networking
Photo tags and friend status updates have become, oh, so frequent, but are they really all that swell? At what point do you make your new date a friend? Or do you ever? And do you really want updates about his/her life, especially if a relationship doesn't work out? While instant messaging leaves room for miscommunication, it easily doubles with social networking sites. He posts a picture of himself from a join vacation, but no photos with you in them - is he trying to act single? And who was that person, who suggested she comes and stays with him while on an upcoming trip to Santa Fe? You get the idea. The point is, be careful with what you post. Oh, and make sure that you update your status from "Single" once you've made a decision to move past the "friend" stage.