Dating Online: Snag on the Web

Dating online, according to American Indian singles, in search of that special someone may find a “snag” from the convenience of their home computers. Like it or not, snagging has entered cyberspace.

E-Snag.com is the online dating service targeting the Native American community and culture. The Web site was launched on Valentine’s Day 2006 after a year of developing and testing, stated E-Snag founder David Underwood.

Underwood, owner of the Pow Wow Cruise, stated the idea for E-Snag came after his cruise business gathered interest in a Native singles cruise. E-Snag was developed out of a concern to have equality of men and women on the cruise.

It works as a free limited membership initially and then prospective members fill out a personal profile and include a photo. The exclusive membership allows full admission to the site’s features, and a direct link to exclusive members with an internal private e-mail system.

“We review every profile, every change,” Underwood reported. “Nobody can see your profile until we approve it.”

Online Dating Tips: Teen Domestic Violence on the Rise

As an attempt to provide online dating tips, ETV Connections aired "Couples Who Fight." Hosted by P.A. Bennett, the program explored the dynamics of teen dating violence, with preventative tips and awareness for the parents of these young couples.

Joseph King, a mental health counselor, and Tammy Thomas, domestic violence coordinator for S.C. Coalition Against Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault, joined a dozen or more Columbia-area students who elaborated on the topic.

Research shows that 1 in 3 teens experience some type of abuse in their relationships, and eighty % of teen girls remain in abusive relationships. Only fifty-four percent of these teens report dating violence to their family and/or their friends. With the recent highly publicized domestic dispute between pop superstars Chris Brown and Rihanna, domestic violence between young adolescent couples is becoming more rampant.

Dating Online: An Increasing Popular Trend

Dating online allows singles to socialize through the privacy of the Internet. These sites initially allow singles to enhance their social networks and meet potential matches in a non-threatening, manner. Some services offer free services, while others charge monthly subscription fees.

Whether they are searching for someone to share a romantic evening with or someone to contribute to their household bills, the recession has not deterred the desire for singles to go online to for a date. In fact, some online dating sites have experienced a recent increase in use and membership since the economy has declined. Match.com reported its membership grew seventeen percent in December alone. "In a tough economy, you want someone to appreciate you for who you are and not because of your jobs or material possessions," reported Greg Waldorf, the CEO of eHarmony, in a Reuters interview. eHarmony has also seen a boost in membership since the recession started.