Exploring the Size and Trends of Online Dating for Disabled
Topic: Disabled Dating
Ian C. Langtree - Content Writer/Editor for Disabled World
Published: 2009/09/26 - Updated: 2024/08/25
Publication Type: Informative
Contents: Summary - Introduction - Main Item - Related Topics
Synopsis: Article covers everything from why bother dating online in the first place, to tips, risks, and various online dating sites on the Internet. Online dating sites are projected to increase in revenue from $900 million in 2007 to $1.9 billion in 2012, or 16% over five years.
Introduction
Disabled Dating Online - What's the latest? This is a brief series of articles on the topic of online dating. It will cover everything from why bother going online in the first place, to tips, risks, and various offerings on the Internet.
Main Item
Online Dating - Size and Scope
Google "online dating". You'll get almost 73 million responses.
Google "disability dating" and you'll still get over 2.5 million.
According to a report published by Jupiter Research entitled, "US Paid Content Forecast, 2007 to 2012", online dating sites are projected to increase in revenue from $900 million in 2007 to $1.9 billion in 2012, or 16% over five years.
Match claims over 20,000 people join every day, and Plentyoffish claims over 10 million members!
When you look at dating sites for the disability community, the numbers are much smaller. Whispers4u is the biggest, with 35,000 members worldwide. There are also niche dating sites for everything from fetish/S&M to Christian dating. A little something for everyone, if you put the right words into your search engine.
So why are there are so many people online? What's the matter with the good old fashioned approach?
Well, in this author's opinion, there's nothing wrong with the "old fashioned approach." Going to bars, joining groups, getting hobbies, meeting at church or synagogue or the gym, support groups, etc. all can work great and have served our ancestors fairly well since the days of the caveman (no reference for that statement, just making a guess!).
But, we do live a little differently these days. Some of us are busy with work, some of us don't frequent bars and nightclubs, some of us are a little cautious about meeting strangers (which are getting stranger every day!) And as far as meeting someone at church, or a gym, well - what if it doesn't work out? Do you want to drop your membership because you don't want to run into that certain someone that maybe didn't turn out to be your soul mate after all? And do you want everyone else knowing your business before you want them to?
Let's face one of the realities of dating that most people don't recognize or acknowledge - if your goal and definition of success is to meet a life partner (rather than simply having a one-nighter) all attempts will result in "failure" until you are married. Now I know that's a bit of a drastic statement and kind of a downer, but if "success" is marriage, then anything short of that is minimally a "non-success."
So, in my humble opinion, dating is a trial-and-error process. And, just like anything, having a plan and using technology to your advantage can make the process more efficient, faster, and above, all more fun and enjoyable. After all, though dating should be fun, how many of us have had [more than one] dates that you might not describe to your friends using that particular adjective!
Next Installments:
Disabled Dating: Online Dating Using Technology to your Advantage
Online Disabled Dating: Getting Down to Business
Explore Related Topics
1 - Gen Z's Impact on Modern Love: Reshaping Sexual and Romantic Norms - Report looks at how Gen Z are shaping their approach to dating and sexuality today.
2 - Why We Fall For Certain People - The Science of Attraction - Study finds people who believe they have a core essence that drives their likes and dislikes were more likely to be drawn to people with similar interests.
3 - Cupid's Arrow Disabled Dating Site - Cupid's Arrow is a dating site created by the disabled for the disabled allowing members to simply and safely seek out others looking for a friend or significant other.
4 - Living Apart Together: Intimate Relationship Without Shared Residence - Living Apart Together (LAT), having an intimate relationship without a shared residence, gaining popularity as an alternative form of commitment.
5 - Morris Pinsky Simcha Program Helps Match-Up People with Disabilities - Disability matchmaking program helps match people with disabilities and change community perception of mental illness and disability.
Page Information, Citing and Disclaimer
Disabled World is a comprehensive online resource that provides information and news related to disabilities, assistive technologies, and accessibility issues. Founded in 2004 our website covers a wide range of topics, including disability rights, healthcare, education, employment, and independent living, with the goal of supporting the disability community and their families.
Cite This Page (APA): Langtree, I. C. (2009, September 26 - Last revised: 2024, August 25). Exploring the Size and Trends of Online Dating for Disabled. Disabled World. Retrieved October 6, 2024 from www.disabled-world.com/communication/disabled-dating/online-dating-scope.php
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