Free dating sites are becoming increasingly popular and it is no wonder, with Americans spending over 500 million on online dating sites in 2005. The free online dating revolution has begun!
“Twenty years from now, the idea that someone looking for love without looking for it online will be silly, akin to skipping the card catalog to instead wander the stacks because ‘the right books are found only by accident.’ Serendipity is the hallmark of inefficient markets, and the marketplace of love, like it or not, is becoming more efficient”
The above quote from Wired would have seemed slightly silly in 2002 when it was written, but the popularity of online dating does not seem to be slowing down anytime soon and free dating is no exception.
Free dating sites work in a very similar way to paid sites. Users are asked to sign up and create a profile with personal information including, but not limited to, age, gender, location, likes and dislikes. Most sites also allow users to upload a photo to go with their profile, which often has the added benefit of attracting more profile views. After a user has added their profile they can search through the users based on age range, gender, location, photos and many other specific criteria. Many sites claim to be free to “sign up” and then ask for money when a user wants to make contact with another member. Unlike these paid sites, free dating sites allow users to make contact with anyone listed on the site for free.
Most free dating sites use advertisements to cover operating costs, but some unscrupulous sites will sell your details. Remember to always check the terms and conditions.