When it comes to love and romance, online seems to be an increasingly popular place to go for Singaporeans.

According to an online survey of more than 700 Singaporeans conducted by Microsoft, certain aspects of the dating game have successfully made the leap across the digital divide, with instant messaging playing an important role.

Singaporeans seem to like digital date invitations as much as face to face ones. Nine in ten respondents said that they would use instant messaging to ask someone out on a date.

A quarter of Singaporeans are also willing to film their most intimate moments via webcam and share them online via instant messaging.

If that doesn't surprise you, here is one that will - six in ten Singaporeans have admitted to flirting with someone other than their partner while they are online. In a relationship or already married? This might be a good pointer to remember the next time you go online.

While all things lovey-dovey seem to get the okay from Singaporeans, it seems certain heart-to-heart moments are still better taking place in real life instead of the virtual world.

Only one third of Singaporeans would actually break up with someone by sending instant messages online.

Barrie Tan, 26, who was a respondent to Microsoft's survey, said that he thought breaking up online "is just not right. It's cowardly and shouldn't be done on instant messaging, SMS or on the mobile phone. Some conversations need to be had face to face."

If Singaporeans didn't take to the idea of an online breakup, even less did so to proposing online, with only 5.6 per cent of respondents finding that acceptable.

The enthusiasm for online instant messages also seems to wane as a couple builds their relationship. While more than half (54.5 per cent) of Singaporeans would use instant messaging to talk to their potential love interests, only 17.4 per cent use it to talk to their spouse or partners.

Is that because Singaporeans find the virtual online environment easier to take the first step? According to Mr Tan, the answer is a definite yes.

"Being on instant messaging or even SMS gives you the chance to say things you would hesitate to say during face to face conversations. It's easier to flirt or ask someone out, as they can't really see how nervous you are on the other end."