If someone sends you a Valentine's e-card, at best they're an unromantic cheapskate, at worst they're sending you a virus

Graham Cluley, Sophos security consultant

"It will change the rules of romance and courtship forever," he said.

"The worst thing about Valentine's Day is that the sender can't find out if the recipient is interested and the recipient has no way of indicating he is interested.

"Millions of romances may have been still-born because these options were not available in the past," he said.

If, on the other hand, the recipient, is not happy about being hit with Cupid's arrow, they can block any farther e-mails from their admirer.

E-love is becoming big business with nearly half of Britons opting to email their loved ones according to a BTopenworld survey.

According to its research, the natural reserve of the British is finding an outlet in e-mail, with a quarter of people using it to say things to their nearest and dearest that they cannot say in person.

"It's great to see technology keeping romance alive," said BTopenworld's Vice President Duncan Ingram.

Beware viruses

Not everyone is delighted by the new fashion for sending Valentine greetings via the internet though.

E-cards replacing traditional ones

Anti-virus firm Sophos urges users to be vigilant against the threat of viruses in the run up to the 14 February.

Sophos security consultant Graham Cluley said e-cards were a very cheap way of saying I love you.

"If someone sends you a Valentine's e-card, at best they're an unromantic cheapskate, at worst they're sending you a virus.

"Either way you should probably consider ditching them," he said.

The old-fashioned gestures of flowers, chocolates and a romantic meal are much better ways of saying I love you, said Mr Cluley.