Oh, how we love the Net. The instant information gratification, the shop-from-your-seat factor, and the hilarity gained from typing "dIzzy cat" into the YouTube search engine. We know life existed without it, but we can't imagine how. But is the availability of everything online ruining our experience of real life? Is your virtual life taking over your real one? Sarah Tarca, finds out...

Is google killing your love life?

I admit it:

I'm more than a little partial to a google. I've googled myself, my friends, ex-boyfriends, the dude that serves me coffee, and every potential love interest I've ever had in the last 15 years. And I know that 90 per cent of you have too. As for the other 10 per cent - you guys are such bad liars! But oh, it doesn't stop there. Facebook snooping? Yep, done that, checked out all your friends. MySpace stalking? Puh-lease that was like the first place I went.

As a single chick, this has become common practice for crushes and dates alike. I know I'm no whack job and that it's totally normal, but it occurred to me recently that my Google addiction is actually killing the fun of getting to know a boy. By the first date, I know how many friends he has, his birth date, and that his interests include "cricket" and "gangster movies". So is the info-overload a good or a bad thing? Let's break it down:
The Good

• Finding common interests: A little snoop can uncover a mutual love for Kraft singles and MGMT, so you already know that there's something you have in common.
  And you know what he doesn't like: If a profile peek reveals that Reese Witherspoon makes him gag, you can save yourself the awkwardness of suggesting you see Four Holidays.
  You can contact him: We know, duh, right? But doing a little MySpace search means that you can make the initial contact through a message rather than face the embarrassment of having to ask for his number.
  You already have something to talk about: You have a MySpace. He has a MySpace... And there's also the fact that he thinks Chris Lilley is comic genius (as do you!) so you know you can chat for hours over that too.
  The mutual friends factor: A look over his friends can be the ultimate date ammo if you have mates in common. "OMG, how do you know Tom Smith?" instantly connects the two of you.
  The freak filter: A quick search in his "Groups" reveals he's a fan of Adolf Hitler, Jack the Ripper, and some club called "Say no to white fluffy animals". Yeah, probably want to give that dude a miss.

The Bad

• Hello, psycho: Finding out that you have the same music taste? Cute. Knowing what he scored in cricket on the weekend, and the name of his first pet? Err... a little freaky.
  Pre-date freak-outs: You've had a little spy, and just so happened to find out he has a ridiculous amount of girl friends. Hot ones. And then you wonder how many of them were like girlfriends and not girl friends. Which then makes you worry that he might be a player, and before you know it you've had a complete meltdown and pretty much want to can the whole thing. Here's a tip: don't do it.
  Misinformation: As shocking as this revelation may be, not everything you read on the internet is true. So getting into a tizz about something you read on Google, is not recommended until it's validated by a reliable source. Preferably from his own mouth.
  Too much info: Here's a sure-fire way to kill the first date fun - know everything about him, therefore removing all mystery.
  The info you didn't want to know: Similar to pre-date freak-outs, this can include finding out he went out with a girl you can't stand, that he hates everything you like, or that he has a propensity to use more swear words than actual language. Some things you just don't want to know.

The verdict

As an avid googler, I had a rude shock recently when I went out with a boy and found out that he a) didn't have Facebook, or b) MySpace, and that c) he was actually un-googlable. So, I had to get to know him the old fashioned way: face to face. And you know what? It was fun. Exciting even.

So I'll say this: google at your own risk. If you're one of those people who hates surprises, then maybe a little snoop is for you. But I also think that romance is supposed to be a mystery, that dates are meant for getting to know each other, and that half the fun is in discovering what his favourite chip is during the date - not before. Too much information is like knowing who'll win SYTYCD before it even starts. Coz if you already know the end, why even bother tuning in every week?

Nosey on the net

You know you're a little addicted to bebo when...

• You check your profile (along with everyone else's) multiple times a day.
  You rely on Bebo or MySpace as your only form of communication.
  When chatting with friends, you find yourself starting your sentences with "I saw on Facebook that..."
  You start reading, ahem, spying on the profiles and convos of certain people to "get to know them better" - say, perhaps, the boy in your maths class who you're too shy to talk to?
  Your "quick Facebook checks" have turned into hour-long sessions.
  You're spending hours messaging or looking at photos of people you actually see every day, whether it be at school, sports, or at work.
  You have begun to describe yourself using status updates, i.e. "Sarah is craving M&Ms!"

Instead of wasting the day online...

• Only check your Bebo, Facebook or MySpace a few times a week rather than a few times a day.
  Get out and spend time with your friends! Have a picnic, or go for a walk together. If you're really busy, schedule in a regular once a week catch up time, even if it's just for a hot chockie.
  If you have friends or fam who live far away, give them a call once a month instead of just sending them an online message.
  And most importantly, get out and live it up! Make your own life busy and exciting rather than simply spending time observing everyone else's. It's all about expanding your horizons and realising that life never has to be boring!