For the most part, people these days aren't afraid of online dating. We know that there are some horror stories out there and we certainly take some precautions. We're aware that there are problems with fraud, that there are risks when communicating with any stranger and that we're going to have our fair share of bad dates and creepy conversations. But for the most part, we trust that the people with whom we engage in online dating are sane, normal, safe people. At the very least, we trust our own judgment about who we meet online and how we interact with them.



But that doesn't mean that all our fears are assuaged. Everyone who participates in the world of online dating has some fears about it. Those fears might include:



• Awkward dates. Meeting online and meeting in person are very different. People are afraid that they're going to meet someone who isn't anything like who they seemed to be online. And people are afraid that the person they like won't like who they are in real life.


• Being socially ostracized. Believe it or not, there are still some communities that don't support online dating so for some people the biggest fear is finding a great relationship online and not being able to tell family and friends about it.


• Physical safety risks. There are serial killers online, there are stalkers, there are thieves. For some, this is biggest fear.


• Other safety risks. Fraud has happened on online dating sites. Identity theft is a risk.


• Waste of time and money. People who pay for sites are afraid that it won't result in romance. And people who are online a lot may fear that they're wasting their time engaging in dream connections that aren't going to go anywhere.



What is your biggest fear about online dating? And perhaps more importantly, why do you do it despite this fear?