Female. 20. UK. Single... And Looking?

When I hear the words ‘internet dating’ I immediately think of socially inept Star Wars fans and people who are obsessed with cats. A little harsh and judgemental I know but I’m pretty sure I’m not the only one who is aware of the negative connotations that go hand in hand with dating websites.
I assume that these sites are aimed at the more senior members of society, who lack a bustling social life and therefore have few opportunities to meet someone new. Personally, I do not believe anybody under the age of 35-40 should be anywhere near an online dating site. Go out and socialise. Surely it is easier to meet someone that way as opposed to trawling through ‘potentials’ on the internet, who clearly do not go to the gym five times a week, as it states on their profile.
I am fully aware of all the beautiful success stories that somehow emerge from these situations but is there not still a little bit of stigma attached to relationships that have blossomed over the internet? I can of course appreciate that it is just another way to meet someone and for those who are a little shy it is the perfect solution but how do you know what you’re really getting yourself into?
Another thing which gets to me about the whole concept is how much people lie on their dating profiles. Obviously twisting the truth to seem more appealing to the opposite sex is a given on these sites but saying you’re a 6ft5 body builder when actually you’re an overweight alcoholic is going a bit too far. Do people not realise this will all become very transparent when it comes to a face to face meeting?
Unfortunately, my next features challenge is to sign up to a few internet dating sites and see how easy or hard it is to get a date in a week. My concerns are predominantly regarding how many young, attractive and vaguely normal men are going to be advertising themselves online? And if they are, then what is it that is stopping them from meeting someone via old fashioned face to face means? Still, not wanting to turn down a potentially disastrous challenge, I’m willing to give it a go. Although I may draw the line at actually meeting up with a total stranger, we’ve all heard the horror stories. Cat obsessed Star Wars fans, here I come!