Today, all you need is a computer with a connection to the Internet and you'll be ready to make a love connection. But what types of online resources are available for the single man or woman of today?

My Space and Facebook — My Space or Facebook can be customized to look much like a profile on a dating service or like a very detailed personal ad. People who are looking for a mate can post information on their profile pages with their likes, dislikes, favorite music, movies, television shows, and much more. They can also go in-depth with information about themselves by posting blog content, journal entries, and by placing as much information as possible in their profile that they want potential dates or mates to see.

It isn't recommended that you put all of this information out there in the public domain for everyone to see in hopes of finding a date, but this can be a great "calling card" to give a person you meet so they can learn more about you. Once you meet someone you like you can "friend" them or invite them to see your profile. The networking part of My Space and other social media is also great for meeting potential dates who are "friends of a friend" on My Space or Facebook. You can even hook up with an old flame or someone from the past (like high school or college) who you always wanted to ask out but never did.

Twitter — If you meet someone that you want to get to know better, follow them on Twitter and see what they're up to. Maybe they're taking part in some activities you like or have an interest in. Then have them follow you to learn more about your personality and lifestyle. It's all about finding new ways to get to know each other.

Texting — The most used social media item today is text messaging. In the old days you would meet someone you were interested in and exchange phone numbers. Then you would wait by the phone or leave messages for them in the hopes of getting a date. Cell phones changed all of that by allowing people to call each other on the go, no matter where they are.

With text messaging, the pressure to perform well on the phone is eliminated, allowing people to carefully craft messages to others and speak a little more from the heart than they might be able to verbally. People are more apt to read text messages than they are to answer a phone call or listen to a voicemail, too. Clever messages or short note can help to build a rapport with someone you want to date that might break the ice and lead to a stronger and more meaningful relationship.

Online Dating Websites — The computer age has heralded in the most fantastic method ever devised for finding a match in your hometown, home state, or even across the ocean. Hardly a week goes by without hearing a personal story or news item about couples meeting, chatting, and then finding love through online dating services even though they live in different areas of the country or opposite parts of the globe.

People who never would have met without the help of the Internet are finding lasting relationships with their soul mates thanks to online dating. There are a number of different types of online dating sites that cater to people living in urban areas, gays and lesbians, Christians, or other specialty groups, so it's possible to find someone who is just like you and has the same interests. It's definitely the most powerful online tool for singles looking to make a match.