Admittedly I know nothing about online dating, but I don't see why setting some rules wouldn't work well. I read the Rules books and followed them, but this was 2007. Also why men marry bitches series.
I think it did help, and I think the main / sole reason it helped was that it is a tool for weeding out or filtering out those who are not interested in serious relationship / not interested in it with you specifically. Helps sort the wheat from the chaff.
Never approached anyone, just seemed approachable. Actually my partner his friend approached me and my friend. I don't know about online, but why not. Also join hobby groups, go out with friends, work etc.
I also have ND (I think), so I made rules like 1/3 of the days I would reply instantly, 1/3rd of the time in an hour, and 1/3rd of the time within say over 4 hours at least. Stops the too quick false intimacy building of text / social media contact above real life getting to know each other.
Didn't have any sexual contact for the first over 2 months / multiple dates at least, just kissing. Not until we felt it could be serious and we actually liked each others company. This usually weeds out those men just looking for sex, they can't be bothered with the effort if they don't really like you. Don't talk about other partners.
Never gave up or rearranged plans to see them. I think I remember doing some version of the do not accept a Saturday date after Wednesday. If they like you, they will learn quickly to plan in advance. But like the book says, don't tell them this, just say oh I'd really love to but I made plans to xyz, but would really love to schedule it soon. If they don't, then another low effort one weeded out!! Absolutely NO last minute hook ups.
I remember most of the time I didn't initiate contact, I let him do that. Although sometimes I did send a nice text or something which showed I was thinking of him.
I am quite possibly the most messed up about relationships ever, but I never showed much of it until we really knew each other. Book goes into this and I think it's still relevant. Don't be pessimistic about men.
Don't start trying to change them straight away, like their clothing choices, earnings etc.
Say something happens like you get lost in the car on a date, don't complain and make a big deal about it. Be patient. Why men marry bitches book says be hard to get and easy to live with, or something like that.
Don't get too invested in one man. Men usually fall in love slowly and with some resistance from themselves. It's not playing games on our part, it's better to give them the conditions to fall in love with you, and for your own sake weed out the idiots.
I know it's only an anecdote and possibly a coincidence, but I dated lots and it almost NEVER went well, until I started following this. I didn't follow it forever, maybe for the first 6 months or so.
I don't really like the image / looks parts of the books (cause I'm objectively ugly!!), but I see how they are relevant, try to make the most of presenting yourself as best you can, is the best advice to take from it without angsting over it - ,men don't!
Like I said, I know nothing of online dating, but I expect it would still work / translate to a large extent. No man is worth your angsting over, particularly if you barely know them. As controversial as it is, I do think the advice in the books books help weed out poor contenders, who would only cause you heartache anyway, leaving you to hopefully find a decent one!!