i think meeting people on the internet is a good place for shy people to work on their social skills. if you are really shy, keep at it. try to swing into the face-to-face type stuff, it's more worthwhile.
I think myspace is good for making friends,but not for dating people.
I sometimes receive friend requests from girls I don't know and accept a few. From that, I know social websites are a good place to meet some new friends, but I don't really expect something else than friendship over there.