A popular dating and matchmaking trend is upon us. It is called speed dating. Naturally, it has found a new home on the internet. But what exactly is it and how does it work?

Speed dating origins is credited to a Jewish Rabbi Yaacov Deyo, who is said to have invented it as way Jewish people meet in areas where they were outnumbered by non-Jews. I not sure the Rabbi anticipated such a huge growth in his creation. But that's a different subject.

So, what is speed dating?

Well, as the name suggests, speed dating is process or event for men and women meet in great numbers for the purpose of finding a match in the shortest possible time. Speed dating is also gaining popularity among the gay and lesbian communities.

Who sort of people participate in speed dating?

Mainly busy professionals and people who lead busy lives and don't have time for traditional dating. They are normal, attractive people who want to meet compatible prospects without wasting time.

How does speed dating work?

The event is pre-planned by an organizer. This is crucial for, as they say, "The more the merrier" and also, for safety reasons, it is important for participants to be screened and supervised. During the actual event couples meet and interact with each other one-on-one for a brief period of time, usually less than ten minutes.

Once the minutes are over you move on to the next possible prospect, no matter how much you are enjoying the present interaction or, conversely, you dread the next one. This offers participants as wide a choice as possible, therefore increasing chances of finding someone.

Also, the time limit ensures that everyone gets equal opportunity, while avoiding getting stuck with a person with whom they no longer wish to talk to.

At the end of the event participants submit a list of persons they would like to meet again. The matching process takes place after the event to ensure no one faces rejection. The organizers then look for matches and inform both parties (if two people pick each other, it's a match).

In a speed dating event, no contacts are exchanged directly, to avoid face-to-face rejection. Arguing is prohibited and an atmosphere of fun and enjoyment encouraged.

Though the process may vary with each organizer, the basics of speed dating usually remain the same.

What are the advantages of speed dating?

The most obvious advantage is- you guessed it- speed. You get to meet a variety of people, all of whom are there to for one thing, to find a mate. It allows a large number of daters to meet in one short event.

Another advantage is that it is a two-way traffic. Women don't have to just sit there and wait to be approached and men do not have to play the traditional role of aggressors while trying to guess if the woman is be interested or not.

The averting of face-to-face rejection is also a big advantage, don't you think?

What are the disadvantages of speed dating?

The biggest advantage is also the biggest disadvantage: Time. You have a very short time to make an impression. For some people the pressure may be too much. For people who can't start a conversation easily with a stranger it might also pose a challenge.

Critics of speed dating also point out that it emphasizes on first impressions, which may not necessarily be indication of future compatibility. Well, most relationships start this way anyway, so I don't see a big issue here.

Speed dating is a great way to meet prospects and, possibly, your soul-mate. Many people who have tried it say the interaction is fun, no matter the outcome. Reputable speed dating sites offer the option of meeting prospects online, at an event, or both.