In the era of Google and iPhones, our daily decisions are made with the help of the Internet. Looking to try a new restaurant in the area? Check out the online reviews first. Need a quickie annulment after that crazy night in Vegas? Plenty of sites offer legal advice on that dilemma. Can’t remember the name of the actress that played Happy Gilmore’s grandma? A quick search brings up her name immediately. When we so strongly rely on the net for our daily activities and guidance, it is only natural that we look to the World Wide Web to find us love as well.

Online dating is gaining popularity as an alternative to the “Is he actually interested or is he just looking to get laid?” and the “I hope she’s this cute when I’m sober” bar scene. Sites like Match.com and eHarmony promise to find you a mate for a small fee, while OkCupid and Plenty of Fish allow you to do the work for free. What better way to meet your Mister or Miss Right than to actively filter them through a set of your own predetermined qualifications?

If only it was that easy.

Getting started with an online dating site can be overwhelming and difficult to navigate. As an online dating newbie myself, I offer you a few tips on how you can avoid making the same mistakes I did.

1. Choose the site that’s right for you.

I chose OkCupid because it was free to use but it is well established. OkCupid allows other users to browse your profile and bases compatibility on your answers to user-submitted questions ranging from “In an ideal world, how often would you have sex?” to “Would you consider dating someone who was married?” Although OkCupid suggests matches for you, it’s primarily up to you to initiate or respond to communication from potential suitors. Paid sites like Match.com and eHarmony offer more extensive services and involvement in the matchmaking process, but they come at a cost.

2. BE HONEST.

Everyone wants to make themselves sound witty and desirable in their profile, but saying you love to go camping and that you speak Swahili just because you think it will make you seem interesting to potential guys or girls is only going to backfire. You expect that cute and charming guy to be honest in his profile, so do your part and be honest in yours.

3. Proceed with caution.

I know it’s exciting to log in and see your inbox full of messages, but take it slow. There’s no need to respond to every single person with a pulse; it’s worth waiting around for someone who is worth your time and energy. The last thing you want to do is agree to meet someone in person before you get to know them – you could end up wandering through a mall and discussing the price of women’s clothing. (On the flip side, if that sounds absolutely exhilarating to you, let me know. I’ve got the perfect guy.)

Done right, online dating can lead to an evening filled with interesting conversation, laughter, and maybe even a make out session reminiscent of a high school dance.

I’ll keep my fingers crossed for you.