Online dating (OD) or Internet dating, is a personal introductory system whereby individuals can find and contact each other over the Internet to arrange a date, usually with the objective of developing a personal, romantic, or sexual relationship. Online dating services usually provide unmoderated matchmaking over the Internet, through the use of personal computers or cell phones. Users of an online dating
service would usually provide personal information, to enable them to
search the service provider's database for other individuals. Members
use criteria other members set, such as age range, gender and location.
Online dating sites use market metaphors to match people. Match
Metaphors are conceptual frameworks that allow individuals to make sense
of new concepts by drawing upon familiar experiences and frame-works.
This metaphor of the marketplace – a place where people go to “shop” for
potential romantic partners and to “sell” themselves in hopes of
creating a successful romantic relationship – is highlighted by the
layout and functionality of online dating websites. The marketplace
metaphor may also resonate with participants’ conceptual orientation
towards the process of finding a romantic partner.[1 ]
Most sites allow members to upload photos or videos of themselves and
browse the photos and videos of others. Sites may offer additional
services, such as webcasts, online chat, telephone chat (VOIP), and message boards. Some sites provide free registration, but may offer services which require a monthly fee. Other sites depend on advertising for their revenue. Some sites such as OKCupid, Plenty of Fish and Badoo are free and offer additional paid services in a freemium revenue model.[2]
Some sites are broad-based, with members coming from a variety of
backgrounds looking for different types of relationships. Other sites
are more specific, based on the type of members, interests, location, or relationship desired. A 2005 study of data collected by the Pew Internet & American Life Project
found that individuals are more likely to use an online dating service
if they use the internet for a greater amount of tasks and less likely
to use such a service if they are trusting of others.[3]
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