Monique Powell, Gleaner Online Writer

The idea of meeting people via the Internet was once seen as a desperate last resort and conjured up images of 'geeky', friendless people who spent all their free time glued to computer screens.

Things and times have since changed and the Internet is fast becoming a cool, hip and increasingly popular place to meet new people.

The latest wave of Internet technology has brought with it a proliferation of websites that fall under the recently labeled category of 'social networking websites'.

Such websites allow persons of similar interests to easily meet and communicate with each other in a comfortable and discreet environment.

These virtual meeting places are ideal for busy professionals whose work schedules leave them with little time to go out and meet people the traditional way.

They are also well suited to those persons who may be a little too shy to get the most out of face-to-face networking. A growing number of people are successfully using this medium to form both personal and business liaisons.

For those looking to socialise with other Jamaicans, Vibesconnect (www.vibesconnect.com) is a favoured option.

Mostly jamaicans

The greater part of its member base is made up of Jamaican nationals, and this makes it very easy for you to make contact with persons in close geographical proximity.

Another social networking website used by many Jamaicans is Hi5.com.

However, due to its unique set-up, this service may be a little more suited to persons looking to reconnect with old schoolmates and friends, rather that to those looking to meet totally new people.

For most of these websites the procedure is the same. After taking a minute to sign up for the (usually free) service, you would then login and create a profile of yourself that other people will be able to view.

In this profile, you may include as much or as little information as you feel comfortable displaying.

Searching

The next step would then be to search for persons of interest using various criteria such as age group, hobbies, location, occupation or marital status.

If the search results present you with one or more persons that tickle your fancy, you have the option of sending a friendly message to let each person know you are interested in making contact.

Likewise, you may also receive messages from persons who stumble upon your profile in a similar manner.

A to the social networking website is the online discussion forum, which allows like-minded individuals to come together and discuss various topics of interest.

Though not nearly as conducive to developing one-on-one relationships, discussion forums still provide an enjoyable community-like atmosphere where you can banter and exchange thoughts with others.

Websites that feature lively 'general interest' discussion forums are