Online dating allows singles to find each other online in the hopes of establishing a social, romantic or sexual relationship. The online dating community is diverse and provides a convenient way to find other singles from all walks of life. With all things we must weigh up the positives and the negatives so here is a list of the pros and cons of online dating.

Pros of Online Dating:

- Convenience. You can find more singles than you could in any other place within a matter of minutes. Through their profile you can find out what they are looking for and whether their goals are compatible with yours. It is no doubt the fastest way to meet other people who are interested in dating.
- Inexpensive. Basic subscription is often free and sometimes there is a small monthly fee for additional services.

- Safety. You are not actually meeting anyone so you can remain anonymous for as long as you wish. You control the amount of information you want other to have about you.

- You can get to know the interests of a potential partner before you meet them. This can reduce the time spending many dates finding out if someone is really compatible or not.

- No fear of rejection. If someone is not interested in you it remains completely hidden. No-one else needs to know and if you are in the initial stages where you are still anonymous your potential date does not even need to know who you are.

- Almost unlimited choice of potential partners. 1000's of singles join online dating services each day so finding someone you like is not a problem.

Cons of Online Dating:

- Misrepresentation. Because of the anonymity of online dating some people may not be honest about who they are. This happens less then people imagine because people often feel safer about being themselves online. Nevertheless it still happens and some people will lie about their age, social status or qualifications.

- Some who are in the process of a divorce or even married may claim to be single.

- Security. While safety is one of the positives of online dating due to anonymity, giving someone too much information about yourself before you really know who you are can be a concern. Just use some common sense and only give away information about yourself you are comfortable sharing. If you decide to meet someone for the first time arrange to meet in a public place. Continue doing so until you are confident you can trust them.