People are often trying to think of ways to use the internet to improve their lives. Sometimes to make money through a business venture, but more commonly they access the web for personal reasons. However, they often make the mistake of thinking in terms of technology or money first. The key to understanding the web is to realise that it is all about human needs and desires. This is one of the reasons why online dating works so successfully - it addresses our need for love and companionship.

Human needs and desires are the same, whatever city or country you might live in. After we have achieved the basic human needs of (food, shelter, safety) - all of which can be found online - the next phase for many of us is to seek love and companionship. Interestingly, websites dedicated to finding accommodation or choosing food are also very popular. Just like online dating [http://uk.match.com/] sites, they too address a primary need.

Faster and easier

Online dating helps people to find their ideal partners in a much faster and easier way than traditional methods of finding a partner. When we are looking for that perfect flat or house, we all go in with a checklist of ideals and must-haves, before we make the decision to go and check it out. We can easily narrow down our searches with some simple criteria (area, cost, number of bedrooms etc) - as there are so many places to choose.

Thankfully, house hunting sites provide lots of options, so we can afford to be choosy. However, imagine if you were confined to looking at just one street or in just one village, because you live in a very remote area or perhaps one that has very bad transport links! Your chances of finding that perfect place to live would be far reduced. You'd really want your options to be increased and not have to plump for second best.

More choice

Using an online dating site is just the same as this. You might get lucky and find someone special next door. But your chances will be greatly increased if you look just a little farther afield. Online dating helps cut across these divides. Some people do have genuine physical distances to overcome. However, for most people the lack of choice comes from being in a big city or new town and not getting introduced to the right person. Even if you have a good selection of friends, finding love can be difficult. Friends don't always want to risk good friendships by going on dates together. Also, singles often feel uncomfortable going out in groups when it feels like everyone else is in a couple.

If you are looking for love you might want to consider online dating. Or then again you could just try perusing the people who live in your street or in your village. Perhaps Mr or Miss Right really is living next door? However, it might be a bit more likely that he or she is just a few miles away or with as a result of this most welcome change just a few clicks away.