Online dating The first major Internet dating

Online dating

The first major Internet dating Web site was the combination of kiss. com and match. com, which were both registered by the same person in 1994 and 1995. The market exploded from there and by 1996, there were 16 dating websites listed on Yahoo!. In 1998, Internet dating got a cultural boost with the release of the movie “You’ve Got Mail” staring Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan. Even though this movie didn’t directly focus on online dating, it put meeting someone of the Web in a positive light and showcased the Web as a tool for bringing people together.

In 2002, dating sites changed as a result of the idea of “social networking” by friendmaster and My. Space. Still, online dating was a byproduct of these social networking websites. With My. Space, people couple meet potential mates on the Web without going to a site dedicated to that cause. These websites are also used by those not seeking a partner at all. In 2004 was the founding of Facebook. Despite this wave of social networking, online dating has continued to thrive.

In 2007, Americans spent over 500 million on online dating, making it the second highest industry for “paid content” on the Web Currently, there are online dating sites for virtually every city, every sexual orientation, every desired relationship, every religion, every race and almost every hobby.

Social Networking Vs. Online Dating Social Networks: cost- many sites are free goal- sites act like communities who uses them? – most of the members are young, net-savvy and have no romantic intentions. Use them to connect with people they know cons- the user search capabilities and other match tools are not as effective as online dating sites

Online Dating Sites: cost- most online dating sites have a initial and/or monthly fee. -some sites even have a tremendous number of customer complaints related to billing practices, fake dating profiles and other questionable marketing tactics. goal- designed to help you meet and connect with someone with romantic agendas in mind. who uses them? – single adults and the number of active members is relatively small. Use them with the sole purpose of meeting someone. cons-It’s common for people to exaggerate their characteristics or circumstances in order to make a good impression and attract more potential partners.

In 2008 the online dating industry earned $957 million. This makes it the third highest revenue grossing industry and the second largest industry for “paid content” on the Web.

On average, those paying for online dating services spend a total of $239 per year. It was estimated that the financial growth of online dating would reach $642 million in 2008.

More than 20 million people visit at least one online dating service a month, and there are more than 120, 000 marriages a year that

For singles who use dating sites, 33% form a relationship, 33% do not, and 33% give up on dating online.

Online, men lie most about their age, height, and income. Women, on the other hand, lie most about their weight, physical build, and age.

One out of ten users on online dating sites are scammers; one out of ten users leave within the first 3 months; and one out of ten sex offenders reportedly use online dating to meet people.

Even though internet dating has mainly been associated with Americans, Canadians spend more time on online dating sites than anyone else in the world.

There about 1, 400 online dating sites in North America

2 reasons why people use online dating: 1. Convenience- Members are able to browse personal ads, answer emails, and change their profile whenever they feel like it. 2. Selection-Members can enter as many or as little criteria in the search box as they want to will narrow potential matches. Other reasons: security, affordability, and no confrontation

Dangers of Online Dating: People believe online dating is safe because the internet creates a barrier of anonymity. What people fail to understand is that the obscurity of anonymity can flow in both directions; meaning, a person can be one thing online and turn out to be something completely different in real life.