If you're looking for love late at night in a bar, you're doing it wrong.
According to a recent study conducted by Match.com, almost one-third of singles have dated someone they met online. About 20% of those surveyed said they met their most recent first date online, while only 7% said they met at a bar.
Meeting someone online doesn't necessarily involve creating an online dating profile through a website like OkCupid or JDate. People today are finding love online through social media interactions that lead to something much more.
In honor of Valentine's Day, we've put together a gallery of couples who met online without the help of a dating service. The majority of these interactions were unexpected, sparked by a shared appreciation for works of art or online creations. From blogs to photos, online communities like Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and Flickr allow followers to give feedback directly to a work's creator. These conversations arise organically, and mitigate the struggle to meet someone who lives close to you.