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Who knew dating online could be fun? Sound cliché, or like an advertisement? Well it isn’t, it’s the truth. OkCupid.com, a free dating site, has been spreading like wildfire, especially in the college community. While most dating sites require paid membership, and so attract a more affluent crowd, OkCupid is completely ad-sponsored (though a newly offered $9.95 subscription can eliminate these ads) and is frequented by a younger demographic, with 45% of visitors in the teens to early 30’s and another 31% under 50 (demographics).

But what else is so unique about this service? OkCupid does not suggest matches based on psychologist-designed tests, but rather simple questions. In order to improve matches, users are presented questions on a variety of topics. Besides answering their own personal opinion, the individual is asked to select the ideal answer of their match, as well as how important their answer is (ranging from irrelevant to mandatory). While these questions are not mandatory, the more answered yields the more accurate results – with upwards of 3,000 staff and user generated questions available. Responses are put into a formula to compute “match,” “friend,” and “enemy” percentages with other users – the formula to which is published in the FAAAQ (Frequently Asked for Answers About Questions) section of the website (faaaq). Questions cover every topic fathomable, from politics to hygiene to philosophy.

One other feature that sets OkCupid apart from other websites is that browsing for potential partners is not all that members are limited to. Members can use blogs and forums avidly. Also, for those who miss the personality tests of past online dating services, there are thousands of staff-and-member written tests that have no effect in matching, but provide plenty of entertainment. These tests, such as the Personality Defect Test and the Cowboy-Ninja-Pirate-Knight Test, let users take a break from fishing, and provide more whimsical topics for conversation.

Besides the tests, the last, and most enlightening part of OkCupid is the official blog – OkTrend. Here, staff analyzes mounds of data from all the activity on the website conclusion to draw conclusions on all aspects of online dating. For instance, one of the most popular posts - The 4 Big Myths of Profile Pictures – provides chart after graph after diagram analyzing all elements of the profile picture (4BigMyths). Were you aware that photos showing cleavage increase in effectively as age increases, while male’s showing their six-pack abs have less and less success as they grow older?

With all this in mind, it is still no surprise if you find yourself apprehensive about even glancing at OkCupid. Description is wonderful to a certain extent, but eventually experience is what’s important.

Rachel Winter, a junior in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, member of Alpha Epsilon Phi sorority and president of acapella group The Rip Chords, agreed to share her insight and experiences with OkCupid.com:

Q: What made you decide to join a dating site?

A: My friend and I did it together just to try it. It was free, and as long as I was smart about what I showed on my profile and who I talked to, I saw no harm in trying it. I wasn't finding anyone worthwhile in C-U going the traditional route. It was kind of thrilling at first. Then its novelty wore off, but it's still entertaining.

Q: How did you find out about OkCupid?

A: The friend I mentioned before told me about it.

Q: What made you decide to join OkCupid specifically?

A: Basically, it was free. I think that's the main reason. It also helped knowing someone was doing it with me. It wasn't some covert operation I was hiding from people. There was no shame in it.

Q: Were you at all hesitant or nervous?

A: Yes, once I started making my profile, I was nervous about how much information was too much, and just how much I wanted someone potentially creepy to see about me. My mom definitely popped up on my shoulder a few times.

Q: How did you go about choosing your profile picture, as well as filling out your information? Was this a meticulous, well thought-out process, or just a automatic process?

A: No, I definitely thought it out. I have 3 pictures up, and all of them are very wholesome. They're just of my upper body and face. They're not picnik-ed or done on Photobooth or anything. Just very basic, flattering, not-trying-too-hard pictures.

Q: Do you generally message people or do you wait to be approached?

A: Both. I've probably initiated conversation for one-fourth or one-third of the people I've met. Lots of guys do message first, but I'm pretty picky about who I reply to. If I'm honestly interested, I will definitely contact them.

Q: How often do you check/use OkCupid? (and why?)

A: Haha, I check every day. Every morning, it's 1. Check my email. 2. Check my facebook. 3. Check OkCupid. I think it's because I've always had messaging threads with guys, so I just like going back there. Plus, now it's a habit.

Q: Have you explored the non-dating aspects of OkCupid, and if so, what is your favorite?

A: OkCupid is pretty thorough as far as questionnaires and things. I don't know how other sites work, but there are hundreds of questions to answer about yourself to get a better match. They have journals and blog-type things, but I haven't used one. They try to make it spiffy by having extra facebook-type elements, and they're effective at keeping users active online. Really, though, all I need is the inbox and the profile. And profile pictures. I guess the match questions are pretty necessary, too. It tells you a percent match with someone. But it told me I was a 65 percent match with my best friend, so it's not error-proof.

Q: Would you recommend OkCupid to a friend? (would you recommend only if friend is specifically expressing interest in online dating, or just the same way as youd recommend a friend sign up for facebook)

A: I would suggest it. I would preface it by telling them to make sure they secure their privacy settings, use the block button if they feel like it, and don't give too much information (in pictures or texts away). Online dating is risky, it's not like facebook to me (though the creators try to make it like facebook), and you have to be strong enough and confident enough to know exactly what you're looking for.

Q: Have you actually gone on a date with someone you met on OkCupid?

A: Yes I have. In a public place! Very public. Like a basketball game or a coffee shop. It honestly made me kind of anxious. I was excited, but I had never met them before, and I was going out with them? Usually I have at least met someone briefly in person. In general, it was fine. No real chemistry with anyone yet, though.

Q: Are there any particular experiences or conversations on OkCupid that stick out to you?

A: Yes.

1. When you visit someone's profile, their OkCupid tells them a list of who visited and when, which is different than facebook. It definitely keeps you from being too much of a creeper by taking away some of the shame associated with voyeurism.

2. Some guys feel incredibly entitled to voice their opinions regarding their intentions or opinions of your physique. I use the block button regularly.

3. I considered taking my profile down for a couple of days (that is, until a promising new guy came along) when I was dealing with creeps, jerks, and just guys who I didn't really connect with. There was one guy who insisted I came over to his (single-bedroom) apartment alone rather than meeting me in public. I talked to nearly all of my friends about it because I was so freaked out. It really showed me how dangerous online dating can be. If I was any weaker, I would have been pressured in an extremely vulnerable situation.

4. I've realized that the voice is an extremely crucial element to attraction. High-pitched voices are not for me.

5. Probably 80 percent of the guys on the site under their "About Me" section say something along the lines of "I'm really good with technology, and I like fixing stuff!"

6. I like that you can narrow down who is allowed to see your profile/message you based on age and location.