My gf and I are in a long distance relationship for now. We have plans to be together some months from now. I say this only so you know I've dealt with this directly.

My advice is, yes, online relationships have their own set of challenges and for some it can be too much to bear, to be honest but.. I would not write them off at all. There are some benefits to them also. When online all you have is talk, and sharing online activities. Sometimes this is a good thing as you'll make a bond that if you were in each other's face all the time, the tension to be intimate (not talking solely about sex here but touching, cuddling etc) might get in the way of really good conversation sometimes. It's just a fact of life. Not saying RL dating is worse either. Just stating what I see is a good thing about online relationships. eventually you'll want to be together IRL but it's not a bad start if you do it right.

My advice if you go this route is above all else, take your time. Don't look for a partner, but friends, meet people online and get to know them. I have known my girlfriend for over 2 yrs now and we didn't get together romantically til last month. So yeah, going slow and let it happen if it's supposed to, it will.

Of course this isn't unique advice as I'd say the same thing to someone about RL dating too... dont' rush, don't look for too much, seek friendships first and the right one will come along!

For every horror story of creeps online there are horror stories of bad dates and creeps in real life. Just be smart about it.