Virtual dating is a fun 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 date, users interact through 3D characters (avatars). As you chat, your character responds naturally to the typed text, providing a realistic 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 is very easy to use: User controls resemble a typical IM chat and are very intuitive.
Virtual dating is a great way to 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? When you do meet in person, you will feel a sense of familiarity and will have a foundation to build on.
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Tip: “Virtual dating forces people to react to what’s happening around them, similar to a real date, and people can get to know each other in a more in-depth way.” Prof. J. Frost, Boston University.
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Common Questions:
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.
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Tip: According to a Harvard study (2006), “Virtual Dates cause individuals to develop greater affinity toward one another when they actually meet.”
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How Do I Invite Someone on a Virtual Date?
Members who are available to go on a virtual date have an Invite Me button appear next to their picture. To view all members who are available for virtual dating, go to Find A Date and click Online Now.
To invite a person on a virtual date simply click their Invite Me button. Once the person you are inviting accepts your invitation, you will be immediately connected on a virtual date.
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Tip: By design, members can only go on one virtual date at a time, thus ensuring that both daters give and receive each others complete attention during a date.
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What If a Member Is Not Online?
If the person you are interested in is not available for a virtual date, use our private messaging system to schedule a time suitable for both of you.
Simply, click Msg Me next to their photo and send him/her a message explaining that you would like to invite him/her on a Virtual Date, be sure to propose a suitable time.
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Tip: When scheduling time for a virtual date, make sure to specify your time zone.
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What If I am Invited?
If someone invites you on a virtual date, a notification screen will appear and an audio will inform 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.
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Tip: To change your character, go to My Profile.
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Can I Keep a Diary of My Date?
After the date, you will be prompted to record a diary. We recommend you take a minute to fill out your impressions of your date for future reference.
You can access your diary at any time by going to the My Activity tab and selecting My Virtual Dates.
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Tip: Along with your personal diary, you can also view transcripts of your dates by going to the My Activity tab and selecting My Virtual Dates.
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How Charming Am I?
Ever wanted to find out how charming you are? Well, the "How Charming Am I?" feature will help you discover how charming, interesting and funny you really are! After you go on three virtual dates, your Charm score will automatically appear in your profile ... and you will finally learn how other people perceive you after your virtual date with them.
The Charm score is calculated by averaging the ratings from all dates, and only aggregated ratings are displayed. All individual ratings are kept private and members cannot see how any particular individual has rated them.
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Tip: If your Charm score falls within the top 20% of all scores, an Award ribbon will appear in yor profile to indicate that you have been voted Most Charming by other OmniDate members!
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