Dating in the digital era: how to find love online - These days, one of the most effective and popular ways to find love is through online dating. But sometimes the options are so many that it can be an overwhelming process. 

Click here to see the best tips to navigate the online dating world.

© Shutterstock

Apps - There are numerous apps to choose from when it comes to online dating. Do your research and choose one that fits what you're looking for. 

© Shutterstock

Self-esteem - Make sure you're emotionally ready. If you haven't got over a breakup or if you're anxious or unmotivated, your experience probably won't go so well.

© Shutterstock

Decide on the type of relationship you're looking for - The specific app, as well as the pictures you'll be using and how you present yourself, all depend on the type of relationship you're looking for. Is it a serious commitment? Or a friend with benefits?

© Shutterstock

Profile - Don't turn your dating profile into a CV. It shouldn't be personal marketing, it should be an honest description of who you are and what you like.

© Shutterstock

Profile picture - Picking pictures where you look happy will make your profile more attractive.

© Shutterstock

Profile picture - Avoid posting obnoxious pictures of money, cars, or other expensive objects.

© Shutterstock

Profile description - Write a short, fun, and simple description of yourself that will leave potential matches curious.

© Shutterstock

Don't lie - It's not worth lying about your age, height or appearance. You'll be wasting the other person's time!

© Shutterstock

Don't believe everything you read - Don't judge a book by its cover, and don't believe everything you read on someone's profile straight away.

© Shutterstock

The right timing - Make sure you don't bombard the other person's inbox if you match. It can come off as really aggressive if you don't even wait for a reply. 

© Shutterstock

The conversation - That is not to say that you have to wait days in between messaging. Don't leave them waiting for too long or they may lose interest.

© Shutterstock

Take a step further - As the conversation evolves, you might want to consider moving on to a different type of messaging app. If you're not comfortable with that though, feel free to stick with the dating app messaging system. 

© Shutterstock

Social media - You can also send them a friend request on different social media platforms so you may learn more about their lives—however remember that they can see all of your information as well. 

© Shutterstock

First date - Of course this is all a lead-up to the actual first date, where you'll be able to finally have a face-to-face conversation, and decide if you enjoy the other person's company.

© Shutterstock

Matching - But if they don't accept your request for a date, don't be bummed out. It happens frequently in the online dating world!

© Shutterstock

Rejection - Many people who sign up to online dating apps stop responding or vanish for several different reasons—don't let that put you off of continuing your search.

© Shutterstock

Immediate results - Be patient! It's unlikely that the first few (or potentially ten) people you meet are going to be right for you. You have to be patient and keep trying. 

© Shutterstock

Share - Tell the person you're chatting with your intentions regarding a potential relationship, so they're aware of your mindset and can make a proper decision of whether or not they want to meet you.

© Shutterstock

Precautions - However the online dating world isn't all a fairy-tale journey of swipes and dates. Here are some precautions to take to make sure you stay safe online. 

© Shutterstock

Precautions - Don't believe everything people tell you about themselves on dating apps. Try doing a bit of research online and on social media to see if it all makes sense.

© Shutterstock

Precautions - Browse through their social media profiles so you can learn more about the type of person they are, including their tastes, how they respond to other people, and what their sense of humor is like.

© Shutterstock

Precautions - When you go on your first face-to-face date, tell your family or friends where you'll be.

© Shutterstock

Precautions - For the first date, make sure you pick a public place, with other people around.

© Shutterstock

Precautions - Make sure your social media pictures and information are only visible to friends and family that you actually know.

© Shutterstock

Precautions - Be careful with scammers! They're everywhere, including dating apps. Don't mention valuable things you may own or give away too much personal information.

© Shutterstock

Precautions - Don't ever share your passwords.

© Shutterstock

Senior dating - Love spans across every age, and there are specific dating apps for older people too. 

© Shutterstock

Senior dating - However, one must always be careful, so the advice also applies to senior dating too!

© Shutterstock