Do you truly in your heart think you could meet your soul mate on an online singles web-site ( Archived) (72)

Well one only has to look at the well documented statistics to discover that online dating has an extremely poor success rate.
I´ve never been under any illusion here, as I´ve said before on many occasions.

I´ve had seven online dates in three years, all of which were disappointing, or not what I was expecting for a variety of reasons. In between, I´ve also had RL dates, which although did not go beyond three or four dates (until recently), were much more enjoyable, and easier. No emailing back and forth for months on end, an immediate physical attraction, and all the other advantages of meeting somebody face to face.

There are a few exceptions here on CS, but in comparison to the membership number, online dating sadly fails to "come up with goods".

I think one has to maintain a good social life, which isn´t difficult in my part of the world where everybody socialises outside due to the good weather and tradition, and people are not reserved, so it´s easy to strike up friendships.

If that isn´t possible, then online dating can be an additional aid, particularly to boost ones confidence, (though it can also be a cruel place) make friends, and learn about other cultures if nothing else.