Online Dating
Case Study Report
Online Dating in the Gay and Lesbian Community:
A Snapshot of Matchmaker.com users in Southern California
Overview
Online Dating, or OL Dating, which for the purpose of this paper includes meeting people and forming relationships online with the intention of meeting face to face, is beginning to receive substantial attention because of its recent surge in popularity in the U.S., and its potential social implications. In August 2003, 40 million people visited online dating websites according to U.S. News and World Report. That is roughly half of all single adults in the U.S. Despite this new found popularity, little is known of the types of individuals using these sites and the intention with which they are using them. Researchers predict that the internet will increase the number of international, intercultural, and inter-religious marriages, ultimately modifying global social norms. Online dating will play a large role in these happenings.
The literature review examined existing reports on the current state of online dating, its popularity, its shortcomings, and potential impact on society. Something that was unpopular and considered only for desperate or shy individuals just a decade ago is now the most popular form of matchmaking. This way of meeting potential mates has many advantages over conventional techniques, but it is difficult to say if they outweigh the disadvantages. The acceptance has grown so quickly that there is very little written about it and still many areas that call for further research.
The case study was restricted to a small group of 40 gay and lesbian profiles on the Matchmaker.com website. This case study examined the types of people using this particular site, their possible reasons, and lastly how much time and effort they had invested in creating a profile.
Research Purpose
The researches conducted a content analysis of one of the most well known dating websites,
Online Dating in the Gay and Lesbian Community:
A Snapshot of Matchmaker.com users in Southern California
Overview
Online Dating, or OL Dating, which for the purpose of this paper includes meeting people and forming relationships online with the intention of meeting face to face, is beginning to receive substantial attention because of its recent surge in popularity in the U.S., and its potential social implications. In August 2003, 40 million people visited online dating websites according to U.S. News and World Report. That is roughly half of all single adults in the U.S. Despite this new found popularity, little is known of the types of individuals using these sites and the intention with which they are using them. Researchers predict that the internet will increase the number of international, intercultural, and inter-religious marriages, ultimately modifying global social norms. Online dating will play a large role in these happenings.
The literature review examined existing reports on the current state of online dating, its popularity, its shortcomings, and potential impact on society. Something that was unpopular and considered only for desperate or shy individuals just a decade ago is now the most popular form of matchmaking. This way of meeting potential mates has many advantages over conventional techniques, but it is difficult to say if they outweigh the disadvantages. The acceptance has grown so quickly that there is very little written about it and still many areas that call for further research.
The case study was restricted to a small group of 40 gay and lesbian profiles on the Matchmaker.com website. This case study examined the types of people using this particular site, their possible reasons, and lastly how much time and effort they had invested in creating a profile.
Research Purpose
The researches conducted a content analysis of one of the most well known dating websites,