I'd like to say encouraging things, Eve. And I do know people who got together that way. But, honestly, I wouldn't personally do it.

I can't think of anything worse, really.

You can tell very quickly irl if you'll like a person. Shoes, movements, voice, eyes, impressive confidence or cute shyness, their friends, their job, context, history, smile, sense of humour, what other people think of them, the place you both are... on and on.

Online must be like choosing blind.

Your idea of joining a hiking group. That sounds much better.