Scientists say the secrets to success in online dating are to aim high, keep your message brief, and be patient. Playing "out of your league" or dating people considered more attractive than you, is a winning strategy, according to a new analysis of internet daters in the US. Men had greater success when they approached women they believed were more desirable than themselves. The new study has been published in the journal, Science Advances. Internet dating has become the dominant form for those seeking romance - it's the third most popular means of meeting a long term partner and around half of all 18-34 year olds now use dating apps.