|
The internet opens up a whole new digital world for young Indians to find a partner in any region, shape, size and color amid growing safety concerns.
A majority of young internet users are accessing the love and friendship sites on the internet, like match.com and yahoo personals.
Observers say the number of people now entering the virtual love arena has reached critical mass.
"Last few months I have been single. And I don't have a big social circle of friends and my field is telecom so I get to interact with very few women, said a browser.
"Its nice at times to come across people you might like talking to, you haven't met ever," said Milita, a young professional.
Another internet enthusiast adds, "you get to meet people who are intellectual, you get to meet people who are times don't do much intelligent talking but you just get to have a good time through chatting".
Internet intimacy
The new age internet intimacy is introducing a different kind of eroticism in the lives of young people - the eroticism of words.
What you write becomes who you are or what you would want the other person to believe.
Researchers found that 50 per cent admitted to lying on line, for instance about the way they looked, about whether they were married, and about their age.
"My brother does it, he tells his age as 21 years old on the net, he is just 13 years old," said Nancy, a student.
Kanika, another student explains: "We have a classmate she has been chatting since past two-three months to a guy, he is older eight or ten years, he is a professional and she has seen his pictures and he is all macho".
"She talks 24-7 about him and I think she is under the threat of falling for him. So, we just constantly keep giving her advice to stay away, just keep it cool, treat it as fun," she said.
Pornography threat
There is concern that the virtual world harbours predators who manipulate young boys and girls in chatrooms and exchange pornographic pictures and videos with them.
Experts say that at least 70 per cent of the young people are unable to form real time relationships.
Digital dating is convenient and free it gives young people an adrenalin kick because they are fun and fast.
But despite the thrill of having a hundred potential cyber suitors, there is an absence of real life physical connection.
It is ironic that in this age of communication, face to face interaction has become much more difficult.
| 
