Many people looking for love turn to online dating sites or apps, but the results aren't always a marriage made in heaven. However, there are things you can do to increase your chance of finding love online.
From a Tinder swipe to Air Dates at the airport, this is the busiest time of the year for online dating.
Melissa Emsley had been using online dating apps for five years. At first she was hopeful, but after a number of disappointing dates, she became frustrated.
"When you get your hopes built up sometimes to meet the right person and then that chemistry is just not there… It can be discouraging," said Emsley.
And Emsley is not alone. In a Consumer Reports' survey of nearly 10,000 people, respondents gave online dating sites the lowest satisfaction scores Consumer Reports has seen for any rated service in two decades, even lower than cable TV companies.
"Online dating is different from shopping for other kinds of things like a sweater. Once you find a sweater you like, you get it. With dating, the sweater has to like you back," said Margot Gilman, money editor at Consumer Reports.
But even with so many "dissatisfied" online daters, a surprising 44 per cent of respondents who tried online dating say they have had or are in a serious long-term relationship or have gotten married, thanks to dating online.
"I was about to give up online dating completely, when I got a message from Brian. I definitely have that site to thank for my relationship today, so it can work out," said Emsley.
You can maximize your results by choosing the right site from the beginning.
If you’re interested in meeting someone who likes the same kinds of movies as you do, or follows the same faith as you, you can probably find a website that specializes in helping you find just that.
And does it pay to use a paid dating site?
While some experts argue paid sites attract more serious users, the survey found free dating sites actually scored a touch better.
But even the best digital match can't guarantee chemistry, which is why it's important to go on a date to meet someone in person early in the process.
