I think it's a good start. You're on the right track with reaching out to people but to be sure it's real- I think you need to start talking on the phone, using a video chat like skype, or seeing eachother in person. It's all fine and well to get to know each other from the safeness of behind your computer but eventually you will have to get out into the real world. Then again- if you are schizoid, anti-social or avoidant personality disorder you may never want to get out into the real world and that would be OK too. It isn't right for anyone to pass judgement on the dating habits of others. Although it wouldn't feel right to ME to be chat-room dating, perhaps it is just right for YOU. However, the fact that you are questioning it's "realness" on yahoo answers, makes me suspect that you yourself doubt it's real-ness and the possibility of a long-term relationship.