I like Sp's idea and the meetup stuff--- you don't even have to meet in person. Just interacting via text and email, skype and phone. You can do it safely. Use common sense about not giving too much personal info. it would be worth at least looking into. How do you feel about talking on the phone? I have a cheap back- up phone for this type of thing. It's a pay as you go cheap phone that affords me anonymity and privacy. Lot's of people have separate cheap phones like that. It's good for connecting with people and yet it's safe. It is a net 10 phone under 40 bucks, no contract or limits.
It's what I used when I was dating from Match.com, and also good for craigslist etc.