Virtual (Dating) Insanity

Trends in online dating are fascinating to watch as they evolve. Where people once only had to post a profile and possibly a grainy photo, now there are webcams, online speed dating, social networking/dating sites  and virtual dating.

That’s right—now your avatar can ask another avatar out for a movie or meal (just in case you’re not up on the parlance, an avatar is a virtual representation of yourself that you create in an online community such as Second Life.) Sound nerdy? Perhaps, but we aren’t too surprised. After all, the current culture of connection is actually creating quite a disconnect for most people.

So how does virtual dating work? Well, it’s similar to other forms of online dating. You “meet” online at sites such as Omnidate.com and can invite one another to engage in date-like activities like a museum outing or going to a bar. Avatars can touch and flirt as well, giving the users non-verbal clues as to how the other is feeling.

Would you try virtual online dating, or is traditional online dating more your speed? Tell us what you think of this brave new online dating world!

[Toronto Star]