Alas, it’s almost that time of year again…Valentine’s Day. It’s a day that brings sheer delight and bliss to some and a sad, sickening sensation to others for various reasons. There are many singles that long to share Valentine’s Day with that special someone, but the problem often times is finding that special someone.
Many have turned to internet dating-a billion dollar industry-in search of their soul mate. Statistic Brain has compiled some interesting online dating statistics from 2012 that may have many considering online dating if they haven’t in the past.
Total number of single people in the U.S.-54 Million.
Total number of people in the U.S. who have tried online dating-40 Million.
Total eHarmony members-20 Million.
Total Match.com members-15 Million.
Annual revenue from the online dating industry-$1.049 Billion.
Average spent by dating site customer per year-$239.
Average length of courtship for marriages that met online-18.5 Months.
Average length of courtship for marriages that met offline-42 Months.
Percent of male online dating users-52.4 %.
Percent of female online dating users-47.6 %.
Percent who say common interests are the most important factor-64 %.
Percent who say physical characteristics are the most important factor-49 %.
Percent of marriages in the last year in which the couple met on a dating site=17 %.
Percent of current committed relationships that began online-20 %.
Percent of people who believe in love at first sight-71 %.
Percent of women who have sex on the first online dating encounter-33 %.
Percent of people who say they have dated more than one person simultaneously-53 %.
Percent of sex offenders who use online dating to meet people-10 %.
Before you get all excited and start creating a profile all willy-nilly, you must remember that certain risks and responsibilities come with online dating. WiredSafety, the largest and oldest online safety, education, and help group in the world, gives some great advice when it comes to online dating safety.
Do not believe everything you read online. People can be anything or anyone they want to be online. There is no truth in advertising protection in online dating.
Do not give out personal information online. Personal information that would let someone find you offline should never be shared online including your full name, where you work, where you live, and your phone number.
Take your time - do not rush into things. Take your time to really try to get to know the person online first. Everyone can put their best cyber-foot forward in the first couple of e-mails. Being consistent is tougher. Make sure you keep the old e-mails to compare the information they give you. Check out inconsistencies-which could be lies.
For a complete list of safety tips, visit the website.
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