One of the most interesting dynamics of online dating is the fact that all initial correspondence is conducted through the medium of email or through forums.

Communication may be extended to phone calls and eventually a meeting when the time feels right, but for the majority of dating services, writing to a potential match is the norm.

This can provide two very differing responses - for some people, the safety net of communicating online without a face-to-face meeting provides a smooth way of initiating a relationship.

After all, some daters will undoubtedly be emerging from a painful break-up and may have had their confidence damaged to the extent where they crave the opportunity to ease themselves back in to dating cautiously.

However, on the flip side, online dating may be used by some people who are just keen to meet as many new people as possible to improve their chances of finding love.

This type of dater would tend to be more self-confident and relaxed in social, face-to-face situations, so the lack of a more tangible connection could at times provide a frustration.

With this in mind, one online dating site has capitalised on advances in technology over the past few years and is now offering users the opportunity to participate in live video streaming dating.

Dream-Marriage.com is renowned as the premier personalised dating and marriage agency for men who are seeking relationships with Russian women and has now made this new facility available to all its members.

Tim Zelmer, the website's director of public relations, believes that the new technology represents a major development for Dream-Marriage members and the industry as a whole.

He said: "There is no doubt that the live streaming video chat function enhances the online dating experience, while at the same time allowing the customer the ability to really connect with the possible Russian woman of his dreams in a far more meaningful way than simple text chat.

"While not all of the women on our site have video capability as yet, thousands already do and more are adding it each day.

"We are convinced that streaming video is the future of online dating, and we are proud to be in the forefront of this industry-changing technology."

Whether the new technology will become a mainstay among all major online dating sites, as Mr Zelmer claims, remains to be seen.

However, what seems clear is that live video streaming undoubtedly adds another dimension to an industry which continues to flourish and increase in popularity.