Vizu Answers and OKCupid have together released the results of a market research survey dubbed "Online Dating Perceptions." If you're curious about the current state of the online dating industry then you should check out
this report (PDF). The report contains the results of a number of interesting polls related to online dating, and is definitely worth checking out.
Here's a clip from a recent
press release related to the Online Dating Perceptions market research survey:
"...Vizu Corporation, the company democratizing market research, and OkCupid, America's fastest growing free online dating company, today co-released a benchmark survey of current online dating attitudes and behaviors. Results showed that roughly half of all Internet users have partaken of an online dating Web site in one form or another. (See full market research report)
Of the 49 percent of survey respondents who claimed to have interacted with an online dating Web site, more than 20 percent were committed users, either by paying for a subscription or using a free service. Another 29 percent admit to at least browsing profiles, even if they don't take that final step of signing up and making a connection. Those who do commit tend to stick around - 62 percent trying their luck for two months or longer.
Sixty-eight percent of respondents prefer services that provide personality questionnaires, analyze compatibility and offer matchmaking recommendations. And users want that service for free, too. Free sites are preferred over subscription services at a ratio of five-to-one.
Despite the reach of the now ten-plus-year-old industry, 72 percent still feel there is a social stigma to online dating. Yet that perception appears attached to those who are less involved in the experience. Once daters embrace the online path and actually meet their match, they become more comfortable. Nearly two-thirds will admit that, upon meeting their significant other online, they would tell the truth if asked about how they met.
Finally, the report shows online daters to be highly selective. Most (58 percent) rely primarily on photographs to quickly filter their field of prospective matches. Deal breakers that tend to cause prospects to be rejected include smoking (23 percent say no) and having children (32 percent aren't interested). As for physical characteristics, 45 percent will reject someone because of his/her weight, and another 33 percent will disqualify those outside their age range..."
Labels: free_online_dating, market_research, online_dating_polls
