Online dating is an Internet-based form of communication with the primary intent to establish in-person (i.e., face-to-face) friendships, or romantic or sexual relationships between consenting adults. It is estimated that 40 million adults in the United States alone have used one or more of the thousands of online dating websites or cell phone applications to meet potential partners. The popularity of online dating has grown steadily since its creation in the mid-1990s, and includes individuals from all adolescent and adult age groups. This entry explores the history of online dating and how online dating works, describes typical online daters, identifies risks associated with online dating, and provides information for counselors, including suggestions for future research.

History

Since the creation of the printed newspaper in the late ...

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