With the development of the internet, the world has progressed in a number of ways. Communication can occur in a matter of seconds, and just about all of the information one needs to function in life can be found online. Questions are asked, key words are typed, answers are provided, and problems are solved! But what about the one thing we all struggle to attain in our desperate pursuit of the utmost human connection? Love: such an elusive and complex concept seems a bit lofty for our hunks of metal to handle, but evidence has shown that computers can be a means to its attainment.

Type the word “dating” into your Google toolbar on Firefox, and a million ads for dating websites will appear. Many of us are skeptical – how can these online programs really work? I’ve heard many an amusing story from unlucky-in-love friends who have tried sites like these. (I sheepishly admit to having recommended some of these sites surreptitiously via one firefox extension or another in order to eliminate the amount of complaining coming my way) Sadly, none of them ever came out with an actual love story.

But these sites aren’t the only places online where potential love-interests can be found. The boom in social networking has built a multitude of communities in which people can be scoped out, their interests scanned, pictures analyzed, and personalities assessed. A poke or a wall post can be the starting point of a meaningful relationship online. What remains to be seen is what happens once two people are no longer separated by a computer screen. And with all of the warnings and criminal scares, who is brave enough to meet face-to-face with a complete stranger they met online? It takes a lot of nerve, trust, and confidence (or desperation?) to go through with something like that. It has happened, however, and it has worked.

Browse around, and you’re sure to find many tales of love found online, whether it was on Second Life, Party Poker, or good ol’ MySpace. If you’re looking for love, you may want to try it out. Just don’t go in with your expectations too high. ;)