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Online dating is an amazing tool for those of us looking for the big one. Personally, I can attest to the fact that many of my pals have embraced it despite outdated stigmas (remember, just a couple years back one was considered a "loser" for searching for mates online), and while not everyone finds true love, sometimes you can meet some pretty cool people. I even met my partner via a guy who asked me out on Myspace (they were friends, and turns out I liked the non-Myspace guy better than him, but I would never have met him sans the online connection!), so... In these crazy old times, why not take a risk, right?
So it goes without saying that to properly get one's game on, one must adhere to the new strategies the online dating community inevitably demands. For example, according to a recent survey by Harris Interactive, "nearly 75 percent of people struggle with establishing chemistry online. The survey also found only 17% of Americans value sense of humor and a shocking 9% value intelligence when meeting someone for the first time. However, when it comes to online dating, a staggering 69% of people don’t bother to update their photos." This reminds me of the time I went on a date with the guy who wrote brilliant emails, but had a deplorably strange, tinny voice, or the guy who measured 5'1 to my 5'4. (Sorry, but I guess that's one of my dealbreakers...)
Enter WooMe.com, "a live video speed dating site that not only allows you to see someone and judge looks, but because there is a webcam involved users can also factor in personality." The makers of WooMe came up with this list of how to win the game:
TIPS FOR ONLINE VIDEO FLIRTING SUCCESS
1. Smile, smile, smile! Remember it’s not what you say, but how you say it
2. No slouching! Good posture will make you look more confident
3. Laughter is key – don’t take yourself too seriously and you’ll increase your attraction
4. What doesn’t work well offline, won’t work online. Drop the cheesy one-liners and be yourself
5. Sound interested in what the other person has to say… even if you're not
6. Don’t place your webcam facing upward, it’s not a flattering angle for anyone
7. Compliments never hurt, just make sure they’re genuine
Hmm... Not sure about not slouching and smiling, smiling, smiling!, but then again, you can bend the rules depending on your own personality and what kind of person you're trying to attract. What do you think? Is adding video to online dating the best thing since sliced bread, or does it just make you more nervous?
