Online dating is a trend that began after the advent of the internet and has gained widespread approval since then. The popularity of online dating sites can be attributed to the lack of suitable or desirable options in real life. Besides, work hours have become longer and people have less time to go out and even less time to pick up a stranger at a party or a bar. Online dating is a quick and easy solution where all you need is a computer and an internet connection to begin bonding with strangers. In the US alone, around 53% of the women and 48% of men have tried online dating at some point of time or the other.

Statistics show that there are over 7 million registered members that use online dating services and the number is only increasing everyday. According to a recent census, 44% of Americans are single out of which 40% have tried online dating services. The best part about online dating is that you can interact with someone anywhere, anytime and the sky is the limit. Even if you're not interested in a serious relationship, you'll come across plenty of likeminded singles in the online dating pool.

People across all ages, cultures and personalities have begun dating online to seek fun, friends and future partners. Often, people wonder what it takes to get a date online. Do you have to be smart and sexy, witty and wealthy or youthful and appealing? You may be relieved to know that online dating statistics show that looks are not all that important when it comes to dating. 86% of women and 67% of men in the US said that they would lay more credence to personality rather than looks. Once you establish a connection with someone, it doesn't matter whether he/she is drop dead gorgeous or just average.

There are other things besides physical appeal that people in the dating arena are looking for. Some of these attributes include humor, intelligence, professional qualification, positive attitude and confidence. Even age is not a limiting factor when it comes to online dating. Statistics have shown that men prefer appealing women regardless of how old they are. According to a study conducted in 2007, 38% women of the total sample sought out men who were younger than them. The statistics also showed that women in their thirties, forties and fifties were quite interested in younger men on online dating sites.

Though a lot of people have taken to online dating like fish to water, there still exists a lot of skepticism merely because of the anonymity associated with this kind of dating. You never know who's on the other side of the computer screen. Internet dating comes with its fair share of creeps and undesirables. But it's a risk you take in hope of meeting someone worthwhile. If you're cautious and look before you leap you can save yourself the anxiety and strain of meeting some psycho or fraud online.

A lot of people have used online dating sites as a springboard for long term relationships and in some cases even for marriage. According to a report of Pew Internet & American Life Project, 15% of Americans know of people who've had a long term relationship or wedded someone they met online.

In this fast paced world where time is of essence, online dating is a deep and wide pool to delve into. If you're single and looking for dates, friends or even for love, why don't you take the plunge. You never know, you may get rescued by the man/woman of your dreams.