In 1995, Gary Kremen and Peng Ong launched an online dating service, calling it Match. The purpose of the website was to “match” singles based on their dating goals and preferences.
In those early days, members were placed into a database with keywords. When their keywords were matched with another’s, the two people were presented to one another, and they could then communicate on the website and decide if they were compatible enough to begin dating.
In the 30 years since, online dating has exploded into a multi-billion dollar business with over 8,000 online dating sites and about 350 million users worldwide, with more added all the time. As well, technology has evolved and now plays a key role in the matching process.
If you are single and dating or looking to date, you may want to explore the world of online dating. Here is the information to get you started.
Why Dating Services are So Popular Today
Once the Internet became widespread, a new type of consumer emerged. People could search for information, conduct research, and, obviously, shop for products and services online. And as technology continued to improve, new consumers became more demanding. They wanted what they wanted when they wanted it, and they demanded speed and efficiency.
All of this tumbled over into the dating world. People began to see online dating as a good alternative to in-person dating, at least temporarily. And online dating services began to fill that demand very quickly.
Enter COVID. With the ensuing isolation and the need for human contact, many more people turned to online dating services, if only for friendship and companionship. But now that the pandemic has dissipated, the use of online dating services has not declined. Indeed, it continues to rise.
For today’s single person, online dating does present a lot of advantages.
Benefits of Online Dating
There are many, but among the most predominant are the following.
It’s Easy to Begin the Journey
First, you only need an Internet connection or a mobile device. You’ll either register on the service’s website or download its app.
Once registered, you’ll need to set up a profile to give other members some interesting information about yourself and speak to what you are looking for in a “match.” Most dating sites and apps help you by providing prompts.
Suitable matches will then begin to show up. You check them out and either accept or reject. When two people accept each other, the “dating” begins, through conversation methods the app has set up.
It’s Easier to Begin a Conversation with a Stranger Online Than in Real Life
If you’ve ever been on a blind date, you have probably had awkward moments, especially if you are on the shy side.
Having a conversation with a stranger online is just easier. Two people can get to know one another through messaging, and eventually via calls and even video chats. The conversation level can move forward as they both become more comfortable.
Your Chances of Meeting a Suitable Match are Greater
Traditional dating involves lots of preparation, expense, and time. And the prospects within a person’s locale are limited. How people meet others to date are pretty traditional too – friends, family, local organizations, perhaps at school or work, and so forth. As well, it may take a few dates to decide if there is enough compatibility to even move forward.
Online dating opens up a world of prospects that would not be met through traditional dating – even those who live in a person’s locale, because most dating services now allow filtering for geographical demographics.
Given the much larger field of candidates, it is more likely that someone will find a suitable match.
No Wasted Time, Money, or Energy
Online dating allows singles to match up and have plenty of conversation before they decide if a prospect is suitable enough and worth dating in-person. They get to know one another through conversations on the site or app. By the time they decide to meet for an in-person date, they know enough about each other that they believe a relationship is possible.
Dating is Flexible and Convenient
Dating apps operate 24 hours a day, and this allows members to chat up a match when it is convenient for both of them.
Users of dating sites can access and check out matches from their home in their PJs or sweats, or on the go during their lunch hours.
Options for Free or Enhanced Features
All dating sites and apps have a free version, and that may satisfy most users. But others may opt for additional features, such as boosting their profiles for better coverage. These are available via fee-based upgrades of premium versions. Even given the additional cost, online dating is still more reasonable than in-person dating that has very mixed results.
These are the most common benefits, but they should provide a solid introduction to the world of online dating and what it offers.
Now, how about choosing the right sites or apps?
Types of Dating Sites
Since the launch of Match, other large, all-inclusive dating sites have popped up to provide service to a fully diverse population. They are the “big boys” in the business. And they have millions of members worldwide.
There are also niche dating sites for people who only want to meet and date certain types of other singles. There are dating services for senior citizens, for intellectual or financial elites, for vegans, for specific religions, for single parents, for those like the Taimi dating app that serve the LGBTQ community, for farmers, for fitness enthusiasts, and even for Star Trek aficionados.
Quite literally, there is an online dating service for anyone.
There are also many options within these sites for the types of relationships a person may be interested in – from very short-term hookups, to casual dating, to friendship and companionship, to serious long-term relationships.
Be Mindful of Safety
Dating apps today have plenty of security features to prevent “bad guys” from getting in. Still, their systems are not perfect.
If a person decides to have that first in-person date, they should make it in the daytime, arrange their own transportation, and choose a public place. It’s just common sense.
Are You Ready?
Say yes. You have the information you need to begin the online dating journey. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain. Go for it!
