Negative news sells. This might explain press penchant for nightmare experiences with online dating, or internet dating if you prefer.

Added to this are negative views and stereotypes such as, "online dating is for geeks" and "online dating is for the desperate". This article is about dispelling some of the common negative views and stereotypes by presenting facts.

Common Fallacies and Truths about Online Dating

Fallacy: "Online dating is not safe; I've heard too many nightmare stories."

Truth: Nightmare stories you've heard are actually rare and more likely to occur in bars, night clubs and free chat rooms. They only appear common-place due to publicity they get from the press.

Reputable dating services go out of their way to ensure safe and secure dating environment for their members. Plus, the cost commitment eliminates many practical jokers and lowlifes.

Fallacy: "Online dating is for geeks."

Truth: Surveys show that the majority of online daters are normal people with at least a college education, a career, above average income and are socially active. Most are interested in a serious relationship.

Fallacy: "You have to be good with computers."

Truth: If all you can do is click a mouse and send an email (which you can learn in a few minutes), you are ready for online dating. Popular dating sites make it easy for you and will guide you through.

Fallacy: "Online dating is for liars, losers and the desperate."

Truth: Online dating sites indicate their members tend to be significantly higher educated and earn above average incomes, are sincere and honest people in search for serous relationships.

Fallacy: "It's not safe to meet strangers online."

Truth: It's never really safe to meet strangers anywhere, least of all bars and night clubs. Online dating lets you remain anonymous till comfortable enough to reveal more to the most suitable prospect.

Fallacy: "It takes/requires a huge time commitment."

Truth: Online dating is the only medium right now that allows you to go mate-hunting at your convenience. It is open 24/7 and you can do it in your spare time.

Fallacy: "People lie and misrepresent themselves."

Truth: People lie and misrepresent themselves in person too. With proper checks, some online dating education, and good old guts you can learn to uncover deception easily and quickly.

Fallacy: "I'd be too embarrassed if someone found out."

Truth: What are chances of someone who knows you stumbling upon your personal ad among millions in one dating site among hundreds? And what would they be doing there in the first place? If they are surfing, they are on the same boat with you.

Fallacy: "I'd be embarrassed to tell friends and family that we met online."

Truth: But you wouldn't be embarrassed to tell them that you met in a bar? What's important is that you find someone who makes you happy, not whether you met in a bar, church or through a modem. Look around and you'll find couples who met online and are happy, even proud to say so.

Fallacy: "You have to be good at writing."

Truth: Actually, conversation-style writing works better as it has a personal feel. Just write like you talk and you are good to go. Use a spelling checker, which comes with most word processing documents such as Word or WordPad. Some of these do check your grammar also.

Fallacy: "Online dating is for the young and restless."

Truth: Surveys indicate that the fastest growing segment in online dating is 40 years plus. This is partly due to other methods not being as open to this segment, and the fact that career and other commitments tend to peak at around that age.

Fallacy: "Online dating is for old, naughty or desperate people."

Truth: Older people are the fastest growing segment in online dating, simply because it provides them an easier and quicker way to meet potential mates. But younger people still make the majority, especially those who are busy in careers.

Fallacy: "It's for people who are not social and have trouble finding a date."

Truth: At the risk of repeating, online dating membership is mainly composed of professional, sincere and romantic people who are also socially active. Internet dating simply offers them an easy and time-saving way to meet like-minded people.

Fallacy: "It's too impersonal. There's no real chemistry doesn't feel real."

Truth: If you've ever read a story that drove you to tears you know that writing does convey emotions. Also, top dating sights now offer voice chats and video conferencing. You can look and talk to the other person, making an almost personal date.

Fallacy: "It's too expensive."

Truth: How much is the (potential) perfect partner worth to you? Online dating actually costs much less than traditional dating that involves costly dinners before you even find out if you have anything in common.

Dating online allows you to find out if you have something in common, and to know each other to a reasonable degree before the actual meeting.

Conclusion: Online dating is one of the most wonderful, healthy and appealing ways of finding a companion or even a lifetime partner. If you have not tried it, you owe it to yourself to do so. Top-rated dating sites offer free trials before you commit, so why not try online dating today?