Though your parents might have brushed up against each other in English lecture hall junior year of college, or were assigned the same entry-level job post-graduation -- these days, finding love is a little different. Love it or hate it, technology has fundamentally changed the way we date and find love. As decades have passed since the inception of online dating in the early 1990s, not only have companies transformed their metrics and algorithms, but the perception of online dating has shifted, too. New research from the indicates the vast majority of the population are in favor of swiping-left-and-right to stumble across the love of their life, so this once-taboo practice is now, well, commonplace. According to their data, while 44 percent supported this method of meeting-and-greeting in 2005, now more than half -- 60% -- are on board with the trend. That's why you should consider online dating one of the most effective ways to meet a romantic companion, find a meaningful relationship and, potentially, begin a committed dynamic with someone you could marry. Think you're too old to exercise your thumb? Think again -- it is not only 20- and 30-somethings who are digitally dating. Countless studies indicate there are too large demographics of growth in online dating: first for those under 25, and then again for those in their 50s and 60s. This is in line with the average age of a first marriage starting at 28, and with the likelihood of divorce in middle age. In fact, a recent indicated that while only 6 percent of Golden Year singles confessed to having online dating profiles in 2013, that number has doubled over the past five years, now teetering around 12% -- and growing. As mobile phones and tablets become more user-friendly for those of all ages, the barriers that might have once prevented silver bachelors no longer apply. Though the data surrounding the success of online dating is still new and ever-changing, some indicate meeting paves the way for a happier relationship. Because swiping through profiles, striking up often long-winded conversations and connecting on mutual interests provides a different starting line, you naturally become pickier. And of course, this constant connection gives you the opportunity to explore what matters to you the most, since oyu can always pick up your phone, find a date and try it out again. This means unlike chatting up a lady at a bar or going to a singles mixer, you can take your time to field through the potentials and focus your energy on those you truly deem promising. Even with all these facts pointing to online dating, do you still find yourself hesitating? Don't worry, or feel like you're the only one. For many singles -- especially serial-monogamists or divorcees -- signing up for a slew of and websites is an overwhelming and cumbersome process. Because there are hundreds of options readily available in your app store, deciphering which downloads will reap the most benefits requires research, trial-and-error and plenty of failed first dates. With the right approach, a tried-and-true strategy, and an open heart and mind, the act of getting online can be fun, not stressful. From industry legend Match to international favorite Zoosk, consider this your getting started guide to finding love online. Here, the best dating sites available today: Zoosk You might not have heard of before -- it doesn't have the name recognition of a Match. Zoosk is a bona fide star in the world of online dating sites, offering a fantastic experience for people who are looking to find a real love connection and get serious. Their site offers an extremely smooth and modern online dating experience, and it's packed with singles with real profiles and real potential. It's been running since 1995, and that wealth of experience means Match really knows what it's doing in terms of pairing people looking for love and offering an extremely smooth user experience. While many singles these days opt for hookup apps and jumping from fling to fling, for those truly seeking committed relationships, Match is one of the best options for you. EliteSingles Looking for someone who's truly a cut above the rest? The dating site is focused on attracting only the most beautiful and well-to-do members and helping them find similarly beautiful and well-to-do people. If that sounds like you and what you're after, then look no further. Signing up means you'll be completing a fleshed-out questionnaire that'll aid in matching you with compatible people by looking at 29 unique character traits. FriendFinder-X While considering your options, it helps to identify what your intentions are for using an online dating site. Are you looking to meet your future spouse, or are you better suited to an adult dating site like the X-rated , where you can live out your sexual desires and find others looking for the same level of casual commitment that you are? FF-X is a strictly hookup- and casual sex-oriented site that boasts millions of users around the world, so if you're looking to get lucky, your odds are high here. XMatch Another strong option if you're just on the hunt for no-strings-attached action is. There is an online dating site for you out there. Not satisfied with the above list? Click below to see our 11 picks for the best online dating sites. AskMen may receive a portion of revenue if you click a link in this article and buy a product or service. The links are independently placed by our Commerce team and do not influence editorial content. To find out more, please read our complete.
