Given that Facebook is now the largest social networking site in the world, and that people seek love in the most unlikely of places, it’s no surprise to learn of Facebook romances occuring almost daily, in every country, and across every timeline. The real question though, of course, is do they work?

After the bizarre scenario earlier this summer, when a 50-year-old unemployed American woman filed a $8,386.88 lawsuit against a 35-year-old man who humiliated her after ending their Facebook relationship, it seems love is not always on the Facebook cards. However, there are tales of success out there too (albeit a little harder to find!). Check out Shake‘s Top Tips to Facebook Lurrrve:

1. Be Yourself

There’s no point, and no hope, of genuine long term love if you’re trying to be somebody you’re not. Staus updates about your flash new car, or a profile pic of your gorgeous neighbour instead of yourself, just ain’t gonna cut the mustard. Be real and you’ll achieve something real. This is Facebook, not Fakebook.

2. Be Interested

Facebook is all about interaction and so the best way of you discovering a romantic dimension to your online life is to be genuinely interested in others. We all know how easy it is to become bored by people’s ‘Me, Me, Me’ updates and we all know how nice it is when someone is actually interested in what we’re about. So ask questions, respond and flirt just a little bit 😉

3. Be Wary

You’re much more likely to find love amongst the people you know than the strangers you don’t. Be wary of those friend requests from total randoms. What do they want? Why are they getting in touch? Old school friends, friends of friends or those you get chatting to through a common interest are likely to have more in common with you than someone who may not be who they say they are.

4. Be Sharp

We all have a social media footprint these days so if you are interested in someone, check out their other profiles too. Are they on Twitter or Google+? Have they got a blog or a Flickr account? Do your research, and you’ll have a better idea of exactly who you’re dealing with. And while you’re at it, you’d better Google yourself too – now’s the time to delete any incriminating photographs!

5. Be Realistic

If you live in Amsterdam and you’re falling for someone who lives in Singapore, be realistic. How likely are you to actually meet / date / live together etc? If all you want is a bit of online titilation then bingo. If you’re looking for the real deal, it might pay to Facebook flirt a little closer to home.

Ultimately, Facebook is not a dating site. But, it seems if you don’t take it too seriously, and follow these five simple rules, you might just find your future love on Facebook. And if it doesn’t work out? Try Twitter!