Online Dating Services! Are we ready for them?

Online dating services are common in developed nations such as those in the US and Europe. Here in Malaysia, it is still yet to catch on but local social networking sites such as eKawan and VirtualFriends are confident that online dating services would be an instant hit soon!

Online dating services are no different than social networking sites that Malaysians are familiar with such as MySpace and Friendster. The only difference is that online dating services are more inclined towards providing actual dating partners for their members. Getting dates can be either be through the normal way whereby members would go out and meet someplace. Online dating services would also give members the opportunity to conduct dates online. However, online dates do require the use of headphones and webcams. Such tools are required for the purpose of providing real time interactions between members of these online dating services.

In a sense, getting to know somebody in the age of the internet is no longer a big issue. There are no more borders when it comes to the internet. In the past, dating games are limited to maybe between class mates, office mates or close friends within a tight community. Malays would date Malays and so forth. The internet has totally brought down that very border and nowadays anybody can practically make friends with anyone on the globe. You can get to know Americans, Brits, Australians, Europeans and any other ethnic groups quite easily on the web.

Malaysians are known to be quite sensitive on cultural and religion issues. No doubt that the introduction of online dating services in Malaysia might instigate and ignite such sentiments further. Sahabatul Ventures believes that Malaysians are not yet ready and should not allow online dating services spoils whatever social peace and tranquillity that we are enjoying at this moment. Sahabatul Ventures also believes that by opening our doors wide to the world through online dating services, we are subjecting ourselves to many unwanted social ills such as free and safe sexual practices which is all ready a big concern here in Malaysia.

What is your opinion as a proud Malaysian? Are we ready for online dating services or should we consider banning such services all together? Please place your vote here!