As I was working on my web site the other day, the news came on the TV with a report about online dating and casual sex.

The theory is that online dating is causing an increase in people engaging in casual sex - a so-called new sexual revolution.

Sure, some people are using the net to find partners for discreet affairs and intimate encounters. These same people could just be going out and picking someone up in a bar or a club. I think that they are being a little bit safer doing it on the net.

When they are browsing for their partner online, they have a chance to get to know a little bit about them. They are in the safety of their own home while they chat. Sure, someone could be lying in their communications, but that is true in the offline world of dating too. As I have said before, I believe there is a tendency to be more honest online because you will not have to face the possible rejection the same way as in person.

As long as these people are practicing safe sex, what does it really matter? Obviously, they also need to set other guidlines for their own safety...again as they would offline. The internet is not going to make a person have more affairs then they would otherwise. The internet does not make a married man/woman cheat, that is a character trait, good or bad.

There are online dating services set up for these types of relationships specifically. If it is not what you are looking for, then you just have to choose a different one and be clear in your personal ad that you are looking for a real relationship. On the other hand, if you are looking for these types of services, there are plenty of them out there.

Remember too, all the loving commited relationships that online dating has created. All those couples (including my husband and myself) who would have never found each other otherwise. It can't be all bad.

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Good, bad or indifferent, the internet has opened doors that were closed to us before. What a joy I feel being a part of it.

Jennifer Lester is an expert on online dating. With years of experience and study, she offers her advice and insight to other singles on their path to happiness.