Internet Playing Middleman In Romancing

INDIA TIMES -- Mar 7 -- Indian online dating revenue were $30 million in 2006 showing a growth rate of 50% year-on-year. Internet usage for online dating has increased from 9% in 2006 to 37% in 2007. In India, where up to 90% of all marriages are arranged, domestic online dating companies are racking up some impressive numbers. In US the online dating revenue was $900 million in 2007, and growing more than 70% year-on-year, according to Jupiter Research. The growth of various free dating sites like OkCupid, Matchdoctor.com, Bookofmatches, Smooth.com and CrazyBlindDate.com have driven the trend of online dating. The concept of virtual dating is gaining popularity, where sites like Mate4all.com or OmniDate.com are offering users the chance to date with the help of avatars in a place that resembles the real environment. Another promising technology is 'iovation' which helps online firms prevent fraudulent activities. FULL ARTICLE @ INDIA TIMES