Guide Note

Online dating services enable individuals to meet via the web in order to strike up real life romantic relationships. Dating services typically require that members create personal profiles. They are then allowed to search for potential partners by age, gender, location and shared interests.

While many online dating services are geared towards a broad-based, general public, niche services aimed towards users who wish to date only those singles who share their political, ethnic or religious background exist as well.

Fast Facts

1. Up to 30% of American singles have used online dating sites ^[1]
2. Popular online dating services:
   1. Yahoo! Personals: $13.99-$25.99 per month
   2. Match.com: $24.95-$65.70
   3. eHarmony: $49.95-$249.95
   4. Perfectmatch.com: $59.95 - $249.95
   5. Chemistry.com: Starts at $49.95

Online Profile Tips

Most online dating service require users to create a profile that will be perused by prospective partners. In creating a profile, consider the following tips:

1. Be honest.
2. Include a clear, recent photo.
3. Details and specifics are good.
4. Add some personality.
5. Keep a confident, casual tone.
6. Stay safe. Don't reveal personal information.
7. Use correct spelling and grammar.

For more information on online dating, see Mahalo's How to Date Online.