Online dating instantly solves one of the biggest problems with mate selection in general: knowing who is single and who is not. This makes for a more frictionless and less awkward experience, which is not often the case when meeting randos in public or groups or something.

But at the same time, OD replaces that problem with another, equally bigger one--the paradox of choice.

Overall, the best way to go about meeting someone special is to be an active part of various communities and social outlets. Casting a wider net, so to speak. The lack of proper socialization is the real problem, not so much online dating. College, of course, does this ideally. But it's hard to maintain a real social life outside work as an adult.