I would recommend being careful too, but I know that online relationships can work. I met my boyfriend online and I couldn't say I'm happier. (There are some issues, but that comes with the territory of being in a relationship.) I think you have to be more weary when you're online but there are ways to find out if the person is really who they identify with. For instance, I found background info on my boyfriend and verified that he and his family really existed.

With any relationship you should become quite knowledgeable about signs of abuse. Read up and memorize it because it can save you a lot of heartache. It doesn't matter where you meet the person, or how you do, anyone can become a victim of abuse.