I think it can be a lot easier to connect online because people let their guards down behind a screen. The problem is...you can really emotionally connect with someone online and think it's gonna be great and then you meet and there's just no chemistry, for whatever reason. Not always I guess but it seems like 9 times out of 10. You can't pick up things like body odor or weird body language online.
When I was doing a lot of internet meeting, if someone seemed like we might have something in common, I'd go meet them sooner then later..that way you can find out quickly before you get too connected.