More and more people, young and old, are using the Internet to connect with others romantically.

“Women and men both use the Internet as a tool to meet potential dates as well as a means of maintaining their existing relationships,” said Debby Herbenick, associate director of the Center for Sexual Health Promotion in the School of Health, Physical Education and Recreation at Indiana University. “It's exciting to see the range of ways that women and men are learning to use a seemingly impersonal space like the Internet in increasingly personal and connecting ways.”

This trend does not seem to be disappearing anytime soon. So, what’s the appeal?

The Indiana University researchers offer the following advice for those just beginning to explore online dating:

• Practice a little caution. Be careful about giving your phone number and work information. Meet in public places where you feel safe. Sites such as Facebook and MySpace offer some advantages if you choose to date within your own friend networks and begin communicating with a close friend of one of your friends.
• Check credibility. Many sites claim to offer services, but fail to deliver. The more well known the dating Web site, the better chance it’s safer.