Computer dating may seem like a new phenomenon, but the truth is that it can trace its roots back to the late 1960s and early 1970s. Some of the specifics may have changed over the years, but the fact remains that computers have been used as a dating tool for many decades. Text dating falls into this category.
The term 'computer dating' has two distinct meanings, and it's important to understand each meaning. The first meaning refers to using computer algorithms to find suitable dates based on certain criteria. You will often to fill out a questionnaire, and then the computer goes to work. There are some services that allow you to do this via texting, but it's the next definition that we will be focusing on. The second meaning refers to using computers as part of the dating process, and this can be done in several ways.
It used to be that e-mailing each other back and forth was the most common way of dating online. Then came instant messaging which allowed for real-time conversations. Webcams added another element of reality, and made it so two people could get to know each other better in the virtual world before deciding if they would meet in the real world. All of those things may serve their purpose, but they are quickly being replaced by text dating.
There are several services that will help you to find people to date via text, and that make things really interesting. You do need to remain cautious though, and remember that you are still dealing mostly with a stranger. That's actually a good rule of thumb when you start text dating–ask yourself if you would share a certain piece of information with a total stranger; if not, then take some time to develop trust first.
Of course you want to be friendly and get to know each other better, but you also need to use a good dose of common sense. It is very easy for people to pretend to be somebody else when everything you know about them is based on the written word. They may be very good at painting a picture of who they want you to think they are. They may be very good at fooling you. The problem is that you may not find out who they really are until it's too late.
At the same time, there is always a chance that they aren't all that good at text dating, but they could still be someone you would like to meet in person. So, how can you tell who's who? The truth is that it isn't always the easiest thing to do, but the best piece of advice is to trust your gut, that little voice in your head. If something sounds odd, doesn't ring true, or just doesn't sit right, then you need to analyze why you feel that way. Don't justify it away as being "nothing", but take it as a warning sign to dig a bit deeper.
