It's now 2013 and the world of online dating has changed. I'm not talking about the technology used on dating site platforms. I'm talking about the collective perception of online dating and internet dangers in general. 

The Evolved Perception of Users

Users are becoming more and more aware of the high chances of meeting someone from a dating site that falsified their profile. This comes in many forms. Some say they're working but aren't. Some say they're slim, but they're over-weight; some say they don't smoke, but they really do; and everyone seems to be becoming more aware of the fact that you can't take any chances.

The rule of thumb is if a person you meet is lying, don't see them again. But these days some users go even farther and say, so many users lie, why give any of them a chance. 

This reduces your risk of being chosen for a date. 

So why join a dating site? How can you over-come this trend? Read on. 

1. Don't lie in your profile

Do I really need to say more? Just do not lie. You are what you are and you want someone to like you for who you are too. So be you and you'll attract someone who likes you, for you. 

2. Add recent pictures

Get out your camera and take 5 pictures today. Change your cloths if you want to change things up, but make sure your profile picture is 100% up to date, clear, in color and that you look good. 

3. Don't talk about your X

Some people interpret you talking about your X as a sign that you're not over them. Other think this is a sign of an obsessive psychopath, a red-flag is risen and you're pretty much out of luck. 

4. Don't be obsessive

This is a big one. Remember, just because you found a profile, and just because you decidd to message the member, it doesn't mean they're on the other end waiting to send you a response. Wait and be patient. 

Some people are very busy and can't reply to messages right away. Some people have children, or work late hours. There could be many differing reasons as to why someone doesn't respond right away and one of them could be that they're not interested. Accept it and as PlentyOfFish says "try finding someone else". 

5. Always remember safety

Yes this is a dating tip. If you're a person brave enough to take the risk of meeting someone you've been talking to on a dating site, you need to take all the precautions. 

Before you meet someone you need to know where they live and have proof. You need to have their phone number, know where they work and how long they've worked there. You need to spoof their social profiles like Facebook and see how many real friends they have. 

And when you meet, it's always good to bring a friend or have a friend waiting near by in case you need them. I'm sure the woman who was attacked after meeting someone on Match.com wish she brought a friend. 

Follow these tips to online dating success

The success may not be immediate but it will come and when it does, it will be real.