BAKERSFIELD, CA- It's almost Valentine's Day. For some, it's a day to celebrate the one they love. For others, it's a reminder of being single. But a growing number of people are looking for love and a match online. There used to be a stigma about turning to the internet to find a date, but not anymore.
Match.com reports the internet is the number one way people met their last first date.
Over the last few years, online dating has become more popular and appreciated. With thousands of dating and social networking websites, more couples are starting relationships through the web.
Erika Vice and her boyfriend Brent Mittan started chatting after meeting on an online in December 2012.
Vice said, "He's definitely the love of my life. So, it's been a huge success I think."
According to a study by the Pew Research Center, one in every ten Americans has looked for love on the internet or through a mobile app.
Multimedia marketing specialist Jason Gutierrez said, "Online dating is actually a very very good way to meet people."
In 2005, 44% of Americans thought online dating was a good way to meet people. Now, 54% are are on board with finding a match online.
"Before you used to hear snicker or make snide comments about online dating, not so much anymore," Gutierrez said.
He says before browsing the web for a potential partner, there are some things to consider.
A good rule of thumb is to avoid anyone who claims to be royalty or wants your financial information. Gutierrez says internet users should be cautious of offering too much information.
"In daily conversation, it's easy to tell people what you do. You want them to get to know you, you want to invite them a little bit into your world, but at the same time you want to keep that world yours and you want to keep it safe and secure," said GUTIERREZ.
Vice said, "I definitely didn't tell him where I or even where I lived, other than Bakersfield. I was very cautious about that."
After weeks of messaging, vice started to open up. They say taking it slowly and really getting to know each other is a huge factor in their successful online match.
"The online dating thing has its own little cliche, but if everybody's just honest, you're going to get the right person," said Vice.
Match.com reports the internet is the number one way people met their last first date.
Over the last few years, online dating has become more popular and appreciated. With thousands of dating and social networking websites, more couples are starting relationships through the web.
Erika Vice and her boyfriend Brent Mittan started chatting after meeting on an online in December 2012.
Vice said, "He's definitely the love of my life. So, it's been a huge success I think."
According to a study by the Pew Research Center, one in every ten Americans has looked for love on the internet or through a mobile app.
Multimedia marketing specialist Jason Gutierrez said, "Online dating is actually a very very good way to meet people."
In 2005, 44% of Americans thought online dating was a good way to meet people. Now, 54% are are on board with finding a match online.
"Before you used to hear snicker or make snide comments about online dating, not so much anymore," Gutierrez said.
He says before browsing the web for a potential partner, there are some things to consider.
A good rule of thumb is to avoid anyone who claims to be royalty or wants your financial information. Gutierrez says internet users should be cautious of offering too much information.
"In daily conversation, it's easy to tell people what you do. You want them to get to know you, you want to invite them a little bit into your world, but at the same time you want to keep that world yours and you want to keep it safe and secure," said GUTIERREZ.
Vice said, "I definitely didn't tell him where I or even where I lived, other than Bakersfield. I was very cautious about that."
After weeks of messaging, vice started to open up. They say taking it slowly and really getting to know each other is a huge factor in their successful online match.
"The online dating thing has its own little cliche, but if everybody's just honest, you're going to get the right person," said Vice.