Need links to research done in 2003 on the makeup of those who visit,
or join, major internet matchmaking sites, like match.com and
matchmaker.com.  By makeup I mean what percent are at various personal
income and age levels (i.e. demographic distribution).

---

Clarification of Question by spunk-ga on 21 Oct 2003 08:05 PDT

Ideally, I'd like to have not only income and age distributions, but
also education distribution.  And research done in 2002 is OK in
addition to done in 2003.

It's been 3 days since original post.  Eager for response.

---

Request for Question Clarification by cath-ga on 27 Oct 2003 15:46 PST

Hi spunk, 

I believe I will have the information you are looking for, but it will 
be in the form of a report e-mailed to me, and posted here, not accessible 
by another link. The information is proprietary. Is that OK with you? 
cath-ga

---

Request for Question Clarification by tar_heel_v-ga on 28 Oct 2003 08:04 PST

I can provide you with demographics taken from a 2002 study of Online
Dating Services that provides demographics you are looking for.  You
requested studies done in 2003.  Would this suffice?

-THV

---

Clarification of Question by spunk-ga on 28 Oct 2003 18:52 PST

Cath: I need the ability to show some of the data to my client.  If it
doesn't violate anyone's rights, it's no problem for me to use SnagIt
to capture what appears on screen, and email a file to my client.

THV: A 2002 study would be valuable, and I would pay the fee offered
for it. I do hope to also find 2003 data. So, let me buy what you
have, and perhaps you'll keep looking for 2003 data as well?

Spunk..

Thanks for your question.  There are several studies of online
dating/matchmaking services out there, and deservedly so. This
industry makes over $900 million dollars a year, according to a study
done in November of 2002 by MarketData.  Another study done by
Ipsos-Reid for Lavalife (an online dating service) gives you an idea
of who is using these services and why:
 
Out of 1000 respondents (500 male/500 Female): 
28% were aged 18-34 
42% were ages 35-54 
28% were ages 55 and older 
 
40% had an income of $50K or greater 
29% had an income of $25-49K 
20% had an income of less than $25K 
 
35% were from the South 
23% were from the Midwest 
21% were from the West 
19% were from the Northeast 
 
62% had children 
 
71% had some college or a degree 
 
81% were white 
 
Here are the response to some questions they were asked, which will
give you an indication of why they use these services:
 
52% felt that they had a better or equal chance of meeting someone
online rather than in a singles bar
 
However, only 40% felt that a relationship started online had a better
or equal chance of success.
 
The key stat, I think, was that 70% would not recommend using online
dating services to their friends.
 
A key reason given for the increase in ODS is September 11th.  People
feel safer at home, yet they need interaction.  These services allow
for some anonymity, yet create a sense of interaction with others. 
Another reason is control over the pace of the relationship, being
able to truly learn about someone (though some would argue that fact)
and other control factors.

There are some more detailed studies available, for fees from 100's to
1000's of dollars if your client is interested.  If so, please let me
know and I can provide links to the reports.
 
Thanks for your question and I hope the above information has been
helpful.  If you need any additional clarification, please let me know
prior to rating my answer.
 
Regards, 
 
-THV 
 
Search Strategy: 
dating service demographics 
why people use online dating services
 
References: 
Move Over Single’s Bars, Online Dating Taking Hold  
http://www.ipsosreid.com/media/dsp_displaypr_us.cfm?id_to_view=1635 
 
The U.S. Dating Services Industry 
http://www.mkt-data-ent.com/studies.html#DATING

---

Request for Answer Clarification by spunk-ga on 04 Nov 2003 18:47 PST

Please have a look at my original question, and notice that it wasn't
total singles universe data that I was seeking, rather it was
specifically AGE, EDUCATION AND INCOME of THOSE WHO VISIT OR JOIN
dating sites.  What you led me to did not, after careful study,
contain that.

The value of what you provided is the contact information to
proprietary sources who I could call and buy data from -- but that
would be time consuming and expensive, and I was hoping for links to
online answers.  Still, if you find nothing further, I WILL pay for
what you already provided.  If you can find answers to my original
question, I'd appreciate it greatly.

---

Clarification of Answer by tar_heel_v-ga on 05 Nov 2003 09:41 PST

In reviewing my answer, I see that you are correct.  The statistics I
provided were from a population sample, not ODS members specifically. 
I apologize for the incorrect information and I will have the editors
remove my answer and re-open your question to allow other Researchers
to provide you with an answer.

Again, my apologies for the inconvenience.

Regards,

-THV

Not the exact info I was looking for, but valuable none the less.  I'm
continuing with a repeat of the question to try to get the full info I
need, posting another $50 offer for answers.

Hello Spunk,

This upcoming conference may interest you:

Internet Dating Conference (Miami)
January 19-20, 2004

"Abha Bhagat (Senior Analyst at Neilsen/Netratings) will discuss the
global demographics for online dating consumers. Age groups, income
levels, gender, concentration of usage and other preferences of these
consumers will be illustrated via numerous charts and data."
http://www.idate2004.com/speakers-miami-2004.php

Best regards,
Bobbie7