New ways to hunt for a partner

Online dating once a taboo is now considered to be totally ok with people. Don't be surprised to know that there are people who have met their 'prospective partners' online. A recent report says that one in three singles admit they would rather meet someone on the internet than anywhere else. This states that only one in six people prefer to meet in bars, parties or in nightclubs. 84 per cent people said they would meet someone, whom they have chatted virtually, in person. Psychiatrist Anjali Chhabria feels that social networking sites give people more options in terms of knowing people since a lot can be made out from a someone's online profile. She says, "With all sort of information mentioned about a person, from their hobbies to what they like to read or watch, on their profile, it gives an added advantage to someone who's looking out to meet a prospect partner. They have an easy option to back out if, at some point, they feel the person is not worth it. But if you are face to face with him/her, then it is a completely different ball game altogether. You can easily block a person from your virtual list but is that possible when you meet them?" Working hours these days do not allow people to socialise as much as they want. So a simple click seems everyone's best option. "My day is so full with work, home and other things, that the chance of meeting new people and starting from scratch is just not possible. I'd prefer meeting new people through my network. It is a lot more convenient," says Alisha Sen, a fashion designer.