We're definitely living in tumultuous times when single issue political parties start to spring up. The Australian Sex Party is an example. Much of the reason for its existence is the Government's proposed plan to filter the internet.

I suspect that the next party like this will be one campaigning aginst the impending Emmissions Trading Scheme (though I doubt very much it'll have a name anywhere near as attention grabbing!)

I often hear psychologists warning of the dangers of confusing cyberspace with reality. I used to think that these concerns were exaggerated.

But now I'm not so sure ...

Take the story of married couple Amy Taylor and David Pollard, for instance. They were avid fans of the online game Second Life (and that's how they met in the first place).

But one day the wife sprung her hubby in a compromising position with a virtual prostitute. She felt so hurt by this betrayal that she filed for divorce.

As people get increasingly involved with the internet on so many levels I think we'll see more and more stories like this.

The global financial crisis is having a huge effect on consumer behaviour. And the online dating industry must be affected in some way sooner or later. Will it dwindle, like so many other industries? Or will it actually grow as people stop going out to expensive nightclubs and parties to meet prospective partners and make contact online instead? Only time will tell.

One change does seem likely, however: Those dating sites catering to the upper end of the economic spectrum will benefit. I suspect that more and more young women in particular will be joining these sites in the hope of snaring a sugar daddy or rich husband.

Online dating has proven to be so effective and popular that even animals are doing it!

Well, not quite - but almost: Now zoos are using online resources to play matchmaker with animals in their various breeding programs.

Every now and then you hear about how someone has been swindled out of his savings by someone (usually younger) pretending to adore him. It seems that online dating sites are rich hunting grounds for these ruthless predators. 

Here's the latest example of this scam.