I met my partner online (thanks,
TH 
). Although that was an accident, I don't see much of a difference? Last June I moved states, and though we're in separate towns weekdays (we go to different unis), we'll be living together in just a month.
With the Internet you have the chance to meet loads of people that live relatively close to you, people you might be unlikely to meet in your day-to-day life. It could be really advantageous for you, if anything. Obviously you're bright enough not to meet a randomer in a dark alley way. And, yeah, whatever... people can lie online. People can lie to your face, too--it's about common sense.
You're a grown up, and no I don't think it's desperate. Do what makes you feel good, eh?
