What nobody told you about dating sites.

There are dozens of dating sites out in the internet. Most of them are very successful and make good money.

38 million Americans visited Match, Yahoo Personals and other such sites in October, up from 35 million a year ago. That's about 25% of the Internet population, says researcher at www.comScore.com  Networks.  By the end of 2010 almost one third or all couples in the USA are will have met in the Internet.

If you are the shy type, Internet is the best invention since the invention of the zipper back in 1893. It's just too easy to get in contact with "strangers".

"Getting in contact" means also that you will have more sexual encounters than before. People will have more sex and eventually taking a higher risk getting infected with HIV and other sexual transmitted diseases.

Most of the dating sites do not mention HIV and related issues at all on their site. Of course, it would not be beneficial their business. Aidsgame.com  has nothing against "internet dating" and the like at all! We love sex and we don't want to you die as a virgin. However, you should be aware of the fact that you might pick and "HIV positive date"

If you write a profile, make sure that you always mention explicit that you require a positive HIV test. Write something like "HIV/AIDS Test required".

But hey! Don't just accept a verbal confirmation, you need a written confirmation. By doing so, you lower the response to you ad but also tremendously limit the HIV risk. Don't be greedy! You will still get enough responses. Don't forget, there are millions of candidates. So it doesn't matter if you lose some of them. It's just for your own best.

Some sites have a checkbox where you can mark "Only HIV Tested People" . That's a good feature but make sure that you also write it explicit in your profile.

You should get tested for HIV in a hospital. If you choose a Home Test Kit instead only go for the HIV Access Kit.

Never accept an HIV Test result older than 1 month. This is especially true you're your dating partner is still sexually active with people.


Depending on the relationship types and activities you are looking for, the HIV risk can be significant higher on some sites. This is especially true for gay sites and sites were you can search for intimate encounters (sexfriends, group sex, etc)

www.adultfriendfinder.com
www.adultFriendSearch.com
www.alt.com
www.pasion.com
www.gay.com
www.glimpse.com
www.outPersonals.com

Some additinal tips for online dating

You can become very close, very quickly without having met them - this can be great but follow these simple tips for a more enjoyable experience:

• Make use of the anonymous messaging system - do not give out personal details straightaway. Do not put personal details in your profile or initial messages such as phone number, email address, home address or place of work
• You can contact a member using the anonymous messaging system and gradually learn more about them, later choosing if you want to give out more personal contact information, or pursue a relationship. Think about using an email account just for your dating - a free account like Hotmail, or a mobile phone number that you can easily change. If you call another member you can use the blocking technique to prevent you number appearing on Caller ID.
• Don't fake your photograph and don't lie in your profile or messages - if you're serious about meeting new people, what's the point? Remember, it is always better to be yourself.
• Don't be afraid to flirt in messages, but equally don't promise anything that in reality you'd be uncomfortable with if you were meeting face-to-face.
• Be careful if you think a member is lying to you, or:
  • Being forceful about you giving out personal details when they won't do the same.
  • Won't answer reasonable questions directly.
  • Gives inconsistent information about their age, appearance, marital status, employment and so on.
  • Makes claims that seem extraordinary, or contradictory to what you already know about them.
• If you feel uncomfortable about a member, stop contacting them. You can block them so you will not receive unwanted messages. If you feel someone is abusing the service.
• Always use your common sense and be responsible for you conduct.

Arrangements for a safe "offline" date

When you get to the point of meeting face-to-face follow our simple tips for a safer experience:

• Meet in a public place that you know well.
• Never arrange for your date to pick you up from your home.
• Never allow your date to make arrangements for your travel or hotel accommodation.
• Always have a friend or family member to call on if you need help. Always let them know where you are going and what time you'll be expected back. Call them to let them know things are ok. Leave details of the person you are going to meet.
• Consider going on a double date with some of your friends, or going as part of a group of people you both know.
• Remember, when you meet someone for the first time they are still a stranger.
• Don't accept a lift home if you feel uncomfortable about it
• Always have a contingency plan for the unexpected so you can get away quickly, and have someone close by you can call on. Take a mobile phone with you - and make sure it is fully charged, working and has enough credit to make calls.
• It can take time to get to know someone properly. A person who is truly interested in you won't mind if you want to take your time in a relationship.
• Impostors and liars can be found anywhere, especially in "offline" places such as bars and nightclubs. The internet is no different, however they are more easily spotted online and we will always remove anyone from the site who is less than genuine.
• Always use your common sense, keep in control and don't be forced into doing something you wouldn't normally do.

Finally

Trust your instincts - they are often right. If you feel uncomfortable about someone, stop. Discontinue contact - there are plenty more fish in the sea. Block unwanted messages from other members. If you feel that someone is abusing the service, you can find always a contact email for abuse etc.