VoIP Date: How to Find (and Avoid) Love

The dating scene. Most of us have been there, and most of us are doing whatever we can to get out. Sure, trips to the bar and the occasional dinner are OK, and maybe having to tag along with him to check out his favorite local jam band that doesn’t believe in drum solos that are shorter than 17 minutes is alright, too. But is he really the one? And what do you do if you can’t even find someone to settle for? Well, VoIP is making things a little bit easier for you.

A while back, we touched on Match.com’s foray into the world of cell and VoIP phone dating as covered on ZDNet :

"…look for your cell carrier to push Match Mobile very aggressively. Web site copy, SMS promotions, bill-stuffers to targeted demographics, and most of all, tv ads. Lots of them…Why? Well, let's cut to the chase here, people. Everyone who wants a cell phone already has one, but not everyone who wants a significant other has one."

Match.com is not the only game in town, though. More VoIP providers are starting to market their ability to help you meet the person of your dreams. B2Day had this to say:

"the interesting thing about VoIP is not cheap phone calls. It is the new voice applications VoIP allows you to create."

There are systems that can be used for: "instant messaging, VoIP phone calls, and even video chat to its members, call forwarding." These services are being marketed directly to those looking for love (or online gaming opportunities, which is a little different than love but kind of in the same ballpark). The article goes on to suggest that, "The idea is that such PC phone features would make the dating services more appealing (and further justify their monthly subscription price)."

So what happens when VoIP leads you to someone and you find yourself staring across the table at a person you simply can’t stand to spend more than three minutes with? VoIP has got you covered there, too. According to an article in USA Today, your phone can get you out of even the worst date:

"Here's how it works: Before your date, go on the Internet and scribble a message to friends and family. Set the time for the message to be sent — by cellphone, e-mail or instant messaging. If the date is going well, cancel the message by logging on to the Internet from your cellphone. If you don't cancel, your friends will spring into action, such as by placing a call that could give you an excuse to say an emergency has come up."

Are you sabotaging yourself before you ever go out by setting up the "parachute" call? That is for others to decide. However, it’s always nice to know you can get out mid-meal or mid-drum solo if you have to.