Has the online dating bubble burst?
Posted by Hayden Allen on Tue 27th February 2007 at 08:06 AM, Filed in General Dating
The number of people signing up to online dating in the States is falling according to new research. Last year, only 10% of Internet users visited at least one online dating site, down from 16% in 2005 and 21% in 2002, says a recent report. Traffic to seven of the top 10 online dating sites declined in the last year, says Nielsen/Net-Ratings. Some fell 30%.
So why is this? Put it down to the novelty factor disappearing for a start as well as the rising amount of FREE social networking sites such as My Space. Another reason for the decline is a cut in advertising revenues or the fact that so many dating sites are popping up that, whilst far smaller in size than the leading giants, are aimed at specific communities (e.g. dating site aimed specifically at Star Trek fans).
Also, many online dating sites try to attract new members by letting people post personal profiles for free. But users have to pay to contact other members. Most aren’t willing to take that step.
This entry has been viewed 731 times.
READER COMMENTS:
There are too many liars and losers on free dating sites. In fact, people would like to pay for membership if they are seriously looking for love and find someone interesting on a site. I have been a paid member on a site for 2 years and I think it is worth something.
Posted by Sammi on Thu 12th April 2007 at 10:26 AM | #