Times are changing! Long gone are the olden days of dating. Long gone are the days of facing the humiliation of your crush turning you down in front of everyone you know. Those days are gone, and online dating is here to stay! Now, you can meet the love of your life without ever leaving your bed, thanks to the countless amount of apps that are there to help. Whatever your preference, sexuality, or lifestyle choices are, dating apps are there to connect you to all the single people in your local area. However, that doesn't mean that everything is perfect when it comes to the world of online dating. Sometimes things can go very, very wrong. Which is why I have collected five perks and five problems that come with the world of online dating, so that way you know what to expect next time you log on.

Perks

1. Stuck in a small area (aka Merced)? No worries! The amount of people you are able to talk to has just increased by a couple hundred. All you have to do is swipe right (that is, if you don't mind driving 30 miles away to meet them).

2. For those of us who are socially awkward, there is now an easier way to talk to people.

3. No matter what you're looking for, you're pretty sure to find it.

4. There's no need to find the right time to talk to someone. As long as they're online, there's nothing to stop you two from getting to know each other better.

5. If relationships aren't your thing, then have no fear. Not every person you talk to online has to know you forever. Sometimes, they can only know you for the night...

Problems

1. You might accidentally see someone you know IRL online...or worse, they might message you. (Looking at you professors.)

2. You might have to deal with creepers who send pictures that you never wanted to get.

3. The person you are talking to might not exactly be real. I know, I'm sorry, but that is not Zac Efron asking you on a date. On the bright side, you might be on Catfish.

4. People might judge you for using a dating app, because apparently "everyone is only after one thing." And even if you are looking for that "thing," it's your life, so you do you!

5. You might meet someone really cool. Talk to them for a while. Go on a couple fun dates. Tell each other all your deepest secrets. Be 100 percent convinced that they're your soul mate. Think you're going to be together forever. Suddenly grow distant. Stop hanging out as much. Slowly resent each other's presence. Stop talking to each other. Never see them again, leaving a gaping hole in your heart...

...or, you know, you could live happily ever after. That works too.

So be safe and have fun. The world of online dating awaits you. May you find your match.