Social Networking Not Hurting Online Dating

(Online Dating Industry Journal) According to new research put out this month by JupiterResearch, social networking sites are not having an impact on paid online dating services. In addition, the revenue of online dating services continue to grow. The concept report citing this stat was prepared by David Card, who is the Vice President and Research Director for JupiterResearch.

Card says that there are no signs that the eruption of social networks has burned the paid online personals market. However, he also issues a warning:

“Still, as casual visitor traffic slows or shrinks, competitors will have to seek out harder-to-sell consumers, as well as offer additional services to their existing customers,” said Card. “And       competition is already ferocious.”

Joe's Comments
Social networking isn't extending is reach at stealing "online daters" as was feared a few years ago. I think one of the major reasons is that people rightfully don't view social networking sites as dating venues. When you sign up on a social networking site, you're looking to expand your base of friends and/or "promote yourself". When you sign up for an online dating service, you are looking for a potential life partner or someone to date. As long as that distinction remains, then online dating services will have little to fear. The problems will start if:

1) Satisfaction continues to fall lower for people using online dating services.

and

2) Social networking sites begin actively courting online daters and offer free tools to help them "find love".