Online dating is becoming a global phenomenon. Millions of people sign up every year on popular websites like Match, PleantyofFish, and Zoosk. Instead of traditionally being introduced to potential partners through friends and family, individuals are joining the online dating community. From young adults to seniors, dating sites offer a wide range of individuals from various ethnicities, religions, economic statuses and professions. The total number of people who have tried online dating is just over 41 million. However, studies and surveys reveal that online dating can also lead to various relationship and personal problems. People who have tried online dating often report three main concerns: trust issues, infidelity, and false identities. First, before we can explore the issues posed by online dating, it is important to understand why individuals join the online socializing community. There are various attributes, such as lack of self-confidence and intimidation, that motivate individuals to search for partners on the Internet. More than ninety percent of women lack self-confidence and want to change at least one feature of their body, according to Confidence Coalition (“Did you know?”). Online dating provides a wall, or barrier, between a person and their viewers, allowing insecure people to seek out partners without being intimidated by facing them in person. Although seemingly a positive attribute, meeting people via the Internet can pose problems. Additionally, many people become intimidated when engaging with the opposite sex, leading to great anxiety and emotional blockage. Dr. Jeremy Nicholson states that "social anxiety, fear of rejection or shyness end... middle of paper ... intimacy: problems in the world of online dating." Santa Barbara, CA: Praeger, 2012. Print. “The Psychology of Internet Dating: The Effect of Online Relationships on Face-to-Face Relationships.” » The Psychology of Internet Dating: The Effect of Online Relationships on Face-to-Face Relationships. Np, and Web. April 15, 2014. “Statistics.” -Women. Np, and Web. April 14, 2014. “How to Reduce Dating Anxiety.” » Psychology today: health, help, happiness + Find a therapist. Np, and Web. April 14, 2014.Peterson, Hayley. "'Catfishing:' The phenomenon of Internet scammers who fabricate online identities and entire social circles to lure people into romantic relationships." Mail Online. Associated Newspapers, January 17, 2013. Web. April 14, 2014. “Find the right therapist. » Trust Issues: How to Overcome Them in Relationships, Marriage, and Life. Np, and Web. April 14. 2014.