Online dating: it's on

November 1, 9:08 PMSeattle Singles Scene ExaminerVictor Scott

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According to Marketdata Enterprises, the online dating industry generates $1.8 billion in revenue annually.  That's billion, with a B.  At least 40 million Americans, about 40% of the adult single population, are dating online according to several online dating sources.  

Suffice it to say, online dating is no longer a trend.  It' a norm!  And Seattle is a hotbed of American online dating.  Seattle ranked in the top five in the number of active profiles on Match on the Forbes 2009 list of the best cities for singles.  

This is not a surprise to those of us familiar with local social scene.  Seattle is infamous for its insular inclinations and polite niceness.  It makes sense that many local singles refrain from going out and reaching out and instead seek the comfort of a computer screen to meet other singles and arrange dates.      

But the big, popular sites leave a lot of singles disappointed because they're about quantity rather than quality.  Enter a new breed of dating sites.  These sites specialize in particular populations, making it easier for singles with particular wants and needs to find mates that match those wants and needs.  Sites like this don't get the traffic the big, popular sites get.  That's the point: quality more than quantity.

In her Newsweek article "Sick, Single, Seeking Same," Julie Scelfo reported that "Prescription4Love.com is becoming a go-to spot online where singletons who also happen to have diseases from hepatitis to herpes to irritable bowel syndrome can find love and companionship without having to worry about the big reveal."  The appeal of this site is obvious: there's no pretention of perfect health.  Therefore, there's no need to beat around the bush about a health issue. 

The ability to fly one way across the country or around the world for the price of a car payment has made international dating popular.  Date.com enables Americans to connect to people in many cities in Canada and Europe as well as several cities in Australia, Latin America, Asia, and Middle East.

Interracial dating sites are really booming, no doubt because they provide a venue to make a low key approach to someone of a different "race."  Interracial Cupid is a hot dating site, providing Black and White singles seeking to cross the lines of race a place to meet and date.

Sites for multiple shapes and sizes are also increasing in popularity.  Short people, BBW, tall people too!  BBPeopleMeet.com cater to people looking for large people.  Dwarf Date is site that targets people seeking mates that are "little people."  On the flip side, TallFriends.com caters to people looking for very tall mates!