Exploring the Size and Trends of Online Dating for Disabled

Ian C. Langtree - Writer/Editor for Disabled World (DW)
Published: 2009/09/26 - Updated: 2024/08/25
Publication Type: Informative
Topic: Disabled Dating - Publications List

Page Content: Synopsis - Introduction - Main

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.

Focus

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

Author Credentials: Ian is an Australian-born writer, editor, and advocate who currently resides in Montreal, Canada. He is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of Disabled World, a leading resource for news and information on disability issues. With a global perspective shaped by years of travel and lived experience, Ian is a committed proponent of the Social Model of Disability-a transformative framework developed by disabled activists in the 1970s that emphasizes dismantling societal barriers rather than focusing solely on individual impairments. His work reflects a deep commitment to disability rights, accessibility, and social inclusion. To learn more about Ian's background, expertise, and accomplishments, visit his full biography.