More students using IU dating Web sites

The days of face-to-face rejection when asking that cute girl or guy out on a date are over thanks to Internet matchmaking services. Finding a perfect match for a date through these services is a growing trend for IU students. \nWeb sites www.IUMeet.com and www.Hoosiersingles.com are designed as a way for students to meet and make new connections outside of the classroom and noisy parties.\n"I just thought it would be something interesting and maybe I could meet some people," graduate student Travis Bruce said.\nThe site www.IUMeet.com began in September of 2002 as a way for the students to meet people from the privacy of their own home.\n"These are the same people that you are going to meet if you go out on the street ... it is just a more discrete way of meeting people and learning what they're really about," www.IUmeet.com creator Jeremy Buckler said.\nOf the two IU people-meeting services, www.IUMeet.com is a completely free service, while www.Hoosiersingles.com carries a fee of $19.95 per month or prorated amount of $44.95 for three months.\nAfter registration, which requires an e-mail address and a username, which is created by the user, seekers have access to pictures, profiles and e-mail addresses of people registered within the service.\nWhile this information is made public, Buckler said there's no reason to feel insecure.\n"I don't believe that the people you meet online are anymore likely to stalk you than someone you meet on the street or in your class," he said.\nMany people feel secure knowing those they are talking to are students on campus.\n"Since they are IU students, I think I would be comfortable," Bruce said.\nWhen entering these sites, students are required to answer questions about themselves, such as hair color, eye color and height. In addition to the physical aspects, there are also sections where the student tells about hobbies, majors, lifestyle habits, likes and dislikes.\nBuckler said you can get vital statistics about the cute boy across the parking lot from friends by talking to him or by reading his profiles online and then deciding whether or not to meet him.\n"I am a very strong believer in personal Web sites, they are very powerful," Buckler said. "I have had a lot of dates through Yahoo and other similar services."\nMany students who use these services have received positive results.\n"I have had a good overall experience using it," senior Chris Barnes said. "I kind of wish things would have worked out better for me personally as far as dates go. But that is how it goes in the world, some people aren't going to like you."\n-- Contact staff writer Amber Nicholas at amrnicho@indiana.edu.