You've heard the song "Love the One You're With." Well, global satellite technology now makes it possible just to love the one you're near. Our technology expert, Darwyn Metzger, is here to help navigate the brave new world of GPS dating.
How did you meet your last date? Was it through a friend? At a bar? Well, with GPS technology, you could meet another date right now, and that Mr. or Mrs. Right might be less than 100 feet away.
That's the premise in the latest trend in digital matchmaking. It's called location-based dating and it's allowed smart phones to become a major player in the world of e-dating once dominated by sites like E-Harmony and Match.com.
With nearly one out of every five US cell customers using some form of smart phone, app makers like Skout, Lovestruck and Flirtmaps are able to take advantage of the way the smart phone is now following your every move.
By pinpointing your location using the Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) system built right into your phone, mobile dating app makers are able to search your surrounding area for a compatible mate. Once they've located someone for you, you are both instantly sent a notification with one another's picture, asking if a rendezvous is in order.
If you both say yes, your locations are revealed and it's game on.
"I love the fact that this type of social networking actually brings people together in real life, instead of just dragging on a digital relationship one 'poke' at a time," says Darwyn.
Ranging from free to about $40 a month, these apps thrive on instant gratification. And they're really great for people who are new to a city and even better for those who fear the dreaded public rejection.
But like all types of dating, there are going to be a few drawbacks. And safety is a primary concern. No matter how much protection an application claims to offer, it's truly impossible to vet every single member. You never know who you're going to get. But is that any different than meeting a stranger at the bar anyway? So, bring a friend along and pick your places wisely.
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