Age thing aside, I do think that the online dating scene for the most part is pretty unsuccessful for many people. I don't think that it's entirely not working for people but that the successes are far too few. The online factor leaves too much room for embellishment (on profiles) deceit and imitation personas. In real life, I believe this is something that happens too, we put our "best foot forward" so to speak so we all will have a public persona, one for women/men we approach, etc. Add the online factor to the mix though and that just exacerbates the problem as people can more easily make themselves look even more appealing. Granted this defeats the purpose of it all if you want a long term relationship but then, I also believe many many people on dating sites want a fling, some fun and aren't that serious.

In the physical world, it is hard enough trying to ask a person out, meet the opposite sex etc. Online dating IMO fools us into thinking this is better and easier but in truth it can be much much harder. In real life you would/could meet a lady in passing, by chance somewhere and hit it off. Perhaps neither were "actively" looking for anything but chance brings you together. There is no such thing in online dating. EVERYONE is looking for something, it is all about relationships, meetings, dating, sex.. I'm sorry but as I have never been one against online dating itself, at this point I am realizing it isn't really better or easier.

I think just get out and meet people in general, be out in the world and let nature take it's course. The world will not end for you if it takes x months to find friends and or a mate. But in the meantime you will be meeting people, doing things and overall enriching your life - because, the goal of finding someone is far less exciting as you might think and everyday you obsess and continue focusing on the search, your free time to live life is wasted.

*I say this with myself in mind. I have chosen that if someone comes along that I want to date I will be happy to but I am also happy with the fact that I don't do the things it would take to meet many women, people... and socialize. I accept that this is my choice and the chance of it happening is very low but I am still content and happy with daily life because while having a gf would be "nice", it is no longer NECESSARY to be happy.*