About Virtual Dating

Virtual dating is a great way to get to know other singles in a safe online environment (e.g., a virtual café or a bar) before meeting face-to-face.

On a virtual date, you interact through a 3D character (avatar). Your character responds naturally to the typed text, providing a fun dating experience. Type in LOL and your avatar actually laughs. Hit the smile button and your avatar smiles. You can even blow your date a kiss or reach over and touch the hand of your date's avatar.

Virtual dating will help you find out whether you click with the person behind the profile before you rush off to meet them. Do you have similar interests and aspirations? Do you enjoy the same music? Do you make each other laugh? According to a Harvard study (2008), "Virtual Dates cause individuals to develop greater affinity toward one another when they actually meet."

What Can I Do On a Virtual Date?

Virtual Dating is a fun way to get to know each other in a comfortable environment:

• Meet for a virtual cup of coffee in a beautiful setting
• Enjoy great conversation and romantic ambiance
• Express emotions by clicking emoticons or simply typing "smileys"
• Listen to music and share your musical tastes
• Play conversation-provoking games, designed to take the pressure off having to figure out what to say

Have fun, laugh and develop common experiences. You can let your date know you are enjoying their company by clicking the "Flirt" or "Blow Kiss" button. If things work out on your virtual date, schedule a time and place to meet in person.

How Do I Invite Someone on a Virtual Date?

People who are available to go on a virtual date have a DATE ME button appear next to their profile. Simply click the button to invite that person on a virtual date. Once your invitee accepts your invitation, you will be immediately connected on a virtual date. (By design, you can go on one virtual date at a time, thus ensuring that you and your date give each other your complete attention during your date.)

What If the Person I Want to Invite Is Not Online?

If the person you'd like to invite is not available for a virtual date, send him/her a message that you would like to invite him/her on a Virtual Date and suggest a suitable time (make sure to specify your time zone).

What If I am Invited?

When someone invites you on a virtual date, a notification popup appears and an audio informs you that you are being invited. You can ACCEPT or DECLINE the invitation by clicking on the appropriate button. If you accept the invitation, you will be immediately connected on a virtual date.

How Do I Change My Character (Avatar)?

First, click the little icon with a question mark next the DATE ME button.  Then, use the back and forward arrow to select the character that best represents you. Once you have chosen your new character, click Close to return to the search page.

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