A recent survey by Online Dating Magazine estimates that more than 20 million people a month visit online dating services. In being able to meet new people from the convenience of home, the proliferation of online dating sites has given people who are more comfortable with desktop dating a viable option. The fact that you are able to browse through hundreds of potential mates with the click of a mouse makes you wonder why more people haven't focused their love lives on cyberspace.

Embarrassment is one of the common reasons why people are reluctant to try online dating. Given the increase in career focused occupations, the sheer numbers of people who try desktop dating to save time are quickly shedding any inhibitions. The increase in computer use among people 65 and older has also increased the range of people who are desktop dating and made it much more common place.

While embarrassment is a feeling that fewer people are associating with online dating, trust is an issue that is still prevalent. Unfortunately what those online dating sites cannot prevent are scam artists, and people lying about themselves. While some of this lying can be as harmless as using an old picture to make yourself look younger, or subtracting a few years on your profile, there are people who use online dating sites that are already married, have criminal records, or are people looking to take advantage of a vulnerable person.

If you are one of the 20 million people who use online dating sites, you should always make sure to perform a date check before a face-to-face meeting. A full background check on your next date will let you know pertinent information such as a criminal record. A quick date-check on someone will take some of the uncertainty away from online dating and will help you rest assured that you can be safe online dating.