Dating on the internet has become fashionable in recent times. While it has several advantages over the traditional way of dating, the reported safety levels are the same. It is none the less important that as with everything in life we take steps to guard against any surprises. Consequently it is advisable to be cautious when making a connection for the first time with new singles online. The following are steps that you should take to ensure a hassle free internet dating experience.

Go easy

Don't just rush in when you find someone whose profile you think is interesting in a dating site. Take baby steps and start with short e mails that contain mostly everyday chit chat. At first treat the person the same way that you would if you'd just met in a bus stop or a supermarket. If that was the place you just met this person how would your conversation go? It would probably be in the form of chatting about the environment, the weather etc. Do the same on a dating site to start with until you get the feel that the person at the other end of the computer does have a normal thought process. As you exchange these initial short e mails you will notice aspects of the person that will give clues as to the authenticity of the individual. If there is anything at all that you are not comfortable with cut the communication and find somebody else no matter how good they look in their picture. After all there are millions of people on the internet dating sites to choose from.

No private information

This should be clear to everyone. You do not incorporate actual information about yourself in your singles dating profile. This rule should be observed whether you are male or a female. If you take part in online dating, sign up for an e mail address that is different from the one that you use for your usual day to day business. Ensure that the signature on this e mail address does not contain anything about you that is real. E mail accounts can be signed up for free these days.

Use your head

Always be thoughtful and use caution at the start of every new interaction on a dating site. Think before you act, just like you would in your every day decision making process. Watch the other person's behaviour by reading e mails that they send to you properly and making sure that their conversational treads are normal. Initially, keep the conversation on a serious note to draw out any inconsistent remarks that will provide clues as to the character of the other person.

Only communicate with people who have pictures

This is the age of the internet and dating online is now a common phenomenon. In addition it is very easy to take picture these days. The most basic mobile phone will take a decent picture and it is easy to upload that picture onto the internet dating site. Consequently there is no valid reason why anyone can not put up a picture in their online dating profile. If someone does not have a picture in their profile then my first thought will be that they are hiding something. I bet that majority of people will think the same. My ideal will be someone with a couple of photographs that shows them in different but interesting locations.

There you have it. More simple but effective ways to enhance your safety while dating and meeting online singles.