There are hundreds of reasons why online dating has become so popular. In the past, long distance relationships have been frowned upon or at the very least, considered a bit romantic. But in the practical sense, exchanging letters as the main means of communication can never work out, except perhaps for the select few.

Online dating has become a way of life for a large percentage of people. Currently, there are almost 40 million people in the United States alone who subscribe to online dating sites. This number is not so surprisingly considering the many advantages that you can get from online dating.

•    Convenience
It is one of the most convenient means of meeting new people and friends. Any one from any part of the world can log into a PC or laptop and in minutes, talk to a person with the same interests. More importantly, you don’t have to drive to a specific place or get dressed. Online dating can be done in the comforts of your home and in your pjs at that.

•    It’s Free!
Most online dating sites are actually free. You can register, create your own profile, upload pictures and see your matches in a matter of minutes. Other online dating sites have free trial periods that can expire in a week or a month and subscribe to the service in a monthly or annual basis. Some sites keep their basic features free but require subscription fee for higher feature packages such as video and audio chat and personal emailing service.

•    Cast a Wider Net
You can meet people not only in your native Texas but the whole world if you want. Online dating sites are available to people from all parts of the globe and if you always dreamed of dating a French native, you can simply log on and search online. But if you want to meet someone closer to home, you might just find your next date living a few blocks from your apartment never meeting if not for the online dating site.

•    Hassle-free Dating
Online dating is so popular because you don’t have to dress up and worry about shaving your legs before the big date. You can meet people, talk to them and even see them online without having to spend on restaurant bills or bar drinks. If you don’t hit it off, just log off. You don’t need to sit and smile miserably while your date rattles on and on about himself and his ex-girlfriend.

•    Finding the Perfect Mate
Call it cheesy but you have a higher chance of meeting your soulmate online than you would in the real world. With online dating, a lot of negative characteristics that you are avoiding can easily be checked off without having to go through the painful process of actual dating. However, online daters are always advised of the dangers of scammers and perverts online so always be smart when it comes to finding love on the net.