Internet dating has become a popular option in coping with busy college schedules. But it still carries an embarrassing stigma and poses some safety issues.

Leah Kean, a sophomore in pre-social work at Ohio State University, met her significant other through online dating. She thinks online dating is much easier than trying to meet someone at a bar, because there's room for more conversation; you can learn more about a person through email than through a drunken first impression.

"It's easier to do that (online dating) than going to a bar," Kean says. "I work full-time and go to school full-time, so it's just convenient."

The convenience of online dating allows participants to reply at their own discretion, which could never really happen in a public place, says Art Ramirez, an assistant professor in the School of Communication at Ohio State, in an email. Ramirez researches the role of computers in the development and maintenance of relationships.

"Once one leaves university life or becomes entrenched in their job, the amount of available free time is reduced," says Ramirez. "Online sites allow individuals to manage their dating life in ways that suit them." This includes when to reply, who to communicate with, and the ability to control information available to others.

In order to reap the rewards from the convenience of online dating, you must overcome the stigma of using a dating Web site.

"Using online sites for dating has, over the last five or so years, become less embarrassing than before," Ramirez said. In previous years, an online dater would be rewarded the stereotype of not being able to find a date in person, he says.

Kristen Peairs, a personal coach for Internet dating, teaches classes through the Creative Activities Program at Ohio State. One of Peairs' classes focuses on how to create an accurate personal profile to attract the kind of people you want to meet.

Peairs said older generations tend to be more cautious and less verbal about their Internet dating experiences than the younger ones. "The younger you are, the easier it is to say you met someone online," she said.

When attempting to find someone on the Internet, an authentic description for a personal profile is crucial to attract the correct matches, says Peairs. "It comes back to knowing yourself well. What do you value in your life and friendships?"

When developing a personal profile, post an accurate photo of yourself and create an intriguing headline, advises Peairs. "You want a brief title that makes an impact."

Along with creating a personal profile, it's important to have a knack for siphoning the good from the bad profiles.

"Almost everyone believes she or he has a good sense of humor, but what does that mean? Is that a Monty Python-type sense of humor or is that a South Park-type? Everyone is also athletic and active as well as positive and cheerful," Ramirez said. "Common sense tells us that we should question the prevalence of these claims."

When trying to differentiate between desired respondents and the fakes, "gut-feeling has a lot to do with it," says Peairs.