Online Dating FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions about Online Dating

    Who uses online dating services?

    In recent years, online dating has become thoroughly mainstream. A decade ago, these types of services may have been viewed as a last resort for the shy and socially awkward, but that is no longer the case. The ease, convenience, and efficiency of online dating has attracted a diverse array of users. While gender ratios vary from one service to another, surveys have found that, overall, there are roughly equal numbers of men and women using online dating services. While you can find plenty of users as young as 18 on any matchmaking website, the majority of users fall between 35 and 55. Many people who turn to an online dating service do so because a demanding career leaves less time for dating.

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Top Online Dating Services

Chemistry.com

Bottom line: Intuitive matching system based on complementary personality types, best for those seeking committed relationships
Match.com

Bottom line: Large and active group of users, intelligent matching system based largely on similar tastes and interests
eHarmony

Bottom line: Emphasis on guidance and deep connections, larger users base seeking committed relationships, some people are not accepted
Zoosk

Bottom line: Fun and playful; great social features; premium features somewhat available without a subscription
PerfectMatch.com

Bottom line: Designed for those seeking committed relationships, combines elements of matching and searching, personality test is less informative
FriendFinder

Bottom line: Customizable experience, overwhelming & frustrating interface, best for people with flexible relationship goals and a lot of time on their hands
Lavalife

Bottom line: Emphasis on flirting and chatting, good for casual dating, slightly more explicit content, interface cluttered with ads
Date.com

Bottom line: Very basic service with instant messaging and chat rooms, best for casual dating, identical to Matchmaker.com
SpeedDate

Bottom line: Constant stream of speed dates, matchmaking "system" yields poor results, nonstop harassment to subscribe

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