By Lacey J. Manning
Networking on the Internet is becoming increasingly popular as Web sites come up with new ways for people to meet as friends and potential dating partners.
'In one study, college students reported using the web to meet people because they found it reduced their anxiety about social interaction,' wrote Helene Lawson and Kira Leck, co-authors of the University of Pittsburg study 'Dynamics of Internet Dating.'
Sherry Lindsay, a 21-year-old senior at BYU agreed. Even though she hasn''t tried Internet networking, Lindsay said she thinks the net is great for people who don''t feel comfortable in typical social situations like dances or parties.
Although theorists in 1991 thought the Internet diminished face-to-face communication, theorists in 2000 said the Internet enlarged social connections, stated Lawson and Leck.
Priscilla Montgomery, a senior majoring in American studies, said she uses the net as a way to stay in touch with old friends because she can''t talk with all of them face-to-face on a consistent basis. She said she doesn''t use the web to date because she''s surrounded by a lot of guys her own age.
Like Montgomery many BYU students use the Internet to keep in contact with friends. Site developers are tailoring their sites to function as friend networks as well as provide the opportunity to get a date.
For example, LDS LinkUp says on its Web site that it is the world''s largest LDS social network. The site focuses on keeping in touch with old friends, keeping track of mission buddies, making new friends, networking for business and fun, and finding a date.
'LDS LinkUp is not just about dating,' the site says. 'It''s about meeting other LDS church members who share something in common - a friend, an interest, a mission.'
Not common in other LDS social network sites, LDS LinkUp encourages married couples as well as single people to join the site to meet other LDS couples and help single friends network with LDS people.
Blogs are another way for people to socialize online. Leaving comments on a blogger''s post instigates conversation and interaction.
Instant messaging and online chats also provide ways for people to maintain communication with new and old friends.
Other online networking sites appeal to people who go online to get a date. Sites like flirtingintraffic.com, ldspals.com, ldsmingle.com and ldspromise.com were created for this purpose.
'I don''t think there''s a need ,' said Heather Sudweeks, a senior majoring in accounting, who thinks there are enough guys around to date.
The web carries its own appeal for meeting people, which contribute to its growing popularity.
'The Internet provides a medium for people to present themselves in a way that they think is flattering,' wrote Lawson and Leck.