Dating Sites - Where Love is Conceived in the Digital Age
The first dating site was launched in 1995. Since then, a plethora of dating sites and mobile apps have since been created - now totaling about 2,500 services - catering to millions of love-seeking users.
Australian gay singles have the opportunity to choose between mainstream dating sites and niche-specific dating sites that cater to a certain demographic group, age or sexual orientation. Finding local singles is a matter of a few clicks with millions of Australians looking for a match online.
The motivations for using dating sites are varied: some people are on the lookout for shared interests or backgrounds, while others take a special interest in professionals, army veterans or, simply, good looks. The goals for scouring love online also vary - from casual hookups to long-term dating through to an all-white wedding.
Dating Sites Mechanisms: From Filtered Search to Personality Quizzes
Dating sites and apps use a variety of methods to match users. Some sites are geared with a filtering feature, allowing users to specify preferences - age, location, hobbies, political views, marital status, religious affiliation and physical appearance, to name a few. The users are then presented with a pool of potential candidates that meet those preferences.
Other gay dating sites apply personality-defining algorithms: Members are encouraged to fill out questionnaires regarding their character, hobbies, opinions and behaviour. The answers are compiled, processed and used for matching with other like-minded users. Personality-based sites use emotional and psychological information to determine compatibility, so they are better suited for those seeking long-term relationships.
The Ease and Convenience of Online Dating
Online dating offers a quick and convenient way to screen more connections from an increasingly growing pool of potential matches, in a limited time, with the ease and accessibility enabled by the screen. The good news is that the numbers game of the dating scene brings together countless couples, creating true love in the digital age.
Online Dating Articles
Our Top 3 Picks
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A science-based approach to loveRead eharmony ReviewSomeone finds love every 14 minutes using eharmony, the #1 trusted dating app for serious relationships. Signup takes 3 steps: Profile Set Up, Match Preferences, and Compatibility Quiz. eharmony is not only one of the most popular online dating apps, but it’s also one of the most affordable websites with 6-, 12-, or 24-month plans for as low as $6.97/month.
eharmony Pros & Cons
PROS
Detailed compatibility quizzesHelpful conversation startersSecureCall safety featureCONS
Users can’t search for matchesQuizzes demand time and thought - 2
Find a compatible match for a mature relationship- Pricing - $19.99-$59.99
- Free version - Yes
- Age range - 50+
Find a compatible match for a mature relationshipRead Singles50 ReviewSingles50 is a dating site for mature singles. It’s more expensive than competitors but offers personality inventories, icebreakers, video and instant messaging for paid members, and an iOS app. Paid members may find the personality inventory and icebreakers are helpful for finding compatible matches, but without access to photos or messaging, free members are unlikely to find love.
Singles50 Pros & Cons
PROS
iOS appPersonality test for matchingNumerous icebreaker optionsCONS
Most activities require a premium subscriptionNo photos with free membershipNo Android app - 3
Ideal dating app for low-commitment- Pricing - $0.99-$.50 per day
- Free version - Yes
- Age range - 25-45
Ideal dating app for low-commitmentRead BeNaughty ReviewIf you’re looking for an exciting night out, BeNaughty is the best place to search. It’s an online dating app that lets you find single men and women in your area who are also interested in having a good time. While some members are looking for a more serious relationship or a friendship, most people on BeNaughty are just out to meet new people.
BeNaughty Pros & Cons
PROS
Video and photo sharingFree for females to respondFlexible membership packagesCONS
Not really for serious relationshipsSmaller dating pool than most
