Although she had heard of internet dating and viewed the ads, she had hesitated to take what she imagined was a rather drastic step. What would her experiences be like? How would she find someone online? What we are the risks?

If you are in this situation then quite likely youve considered venturing into online dating to meet someone.

Our lives are increasingly dependant on technology as opposed to face-to-face contact. It is not at all surprising that millions have already ventured into online dating as a way to find a relationship rather than standing around for a chance meeting.

But what are some of the findings as researchers spend more time analyzing the behavior of online daters?

In a study reported on CBS News, 15% of Americans with internet access have visited an internet dating page . 27% of them were 18-29 months old. Obviously online dating is a popular pastime.

The identical study showed that 33% of unmarried internet users thought that dating online was a safe way to meet all the people although 34% acknowledged knowing someone who had a bad acquired skill .

In another study reported by BBC News, online dating was seen as a certain way for women to feel empowered in relationships. The conventional inhibitions that they had in face-to-face relationships we are replaced by a more upfront and in-control attitude when given the anonymity of the internet. Could this improve their chances at finding a perfect relationship?

Professor Helen Petrie was quoted in the BBC interview as stating "There are people who lack interpersonal social skills and would find it very difficult to meet many people in bars. They might find it brain friendly to meet in an internet room, but they still have the problem of meeting them face to face and if they have gone too far with the internet relationship, they can find that traumatic."

The truth is, many individuals find the anonymity of online romance encourages a certain amount of exaggeration or lying. While some claim that we always hide things at the beginning of a relationship, trying to put our best foot forward, the internet makes it easier to hide such things as facial expressions, income, marital status and even criminal records.

So while you may find, like Mary, that finding a romance relationship in the real world is difficult - if you are still considering online dating it is wise to utilize care and common sense. Be careful what you say about yourself and try to verify as much data as possible before meeting or personally contacting anyone youve met online and never meet them alone.