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Internet dating boom amid recession
Miserable Britons looking for love to ease doom with Online Dating
The onset of recession has certainly focused Britons' minds in terms of tightening their purse strings and doing everything they can to hold on to their jobs.But it would appear that another major side-effect of the economic doom and gloom is emerging - an increased desire to find that special someone to help get through these tough times.
In particular, online dating providers have noticed a significant spike in activity at a time when huge numbers of companies are struggling to simply keep their heads above water.There are a number of theories behind this trend, according to a new report by the Economist.Britons may now have more time to devote to their love lives and feel an increased need for companionship, or perhaps they are taking the pragmatic view that being in a relationship can help spread financial burdens.Greg Waldorf, boss of marriage-focused site eHarmony, which has over 20 million members, offers the following explanation in an interview with the news provider: "People who have been single for years are suddenly focused on finding someone."Going through difficult times with someone special is better than doing it alone."The argument seems to be supported by the facts, with a recent survey by eHarmony revealing that 25 per cent of women felt that recession-induced stress is making them more inclined to seek a long-term partner.In addition, the online dating service noted that visits to its website were higher than average on days when the Dow Jones Industrial Average declined by more than 100 points.Meanwhile, Sam Yagen, head of OkCupid, which is aimed at younger, more casual daters, has seen its users increase the number of instant messages they send per day on its site from 6,000 in September to the present 18,000.As he explains, being in a relationship means that "you can just play Scrabble instead of going out for the evening".Interestingly, it would also appear that the financial landscape is creating a bigger desire among Britons to find a bit on the side.AshleyMadison, an online dating site which specifically caters for people looking to have an affair, has also recorded a major upsurge in interest in its services."The majority of relationship discord stems from economic troubles," boss Noel Biderman told the Economist."They want to do something that makes them feel better about themselves."Although it is questionable as to whether cheating will make someone feel better about themselves in the long run (particularly if they get caught), it seems clear that the need for forging closer ties with the opposite sex is well and truly in vogue.Read more: http://www.uknetguide.co.uk/Lifestyle_and_Leisure/Article/Internet_dating_boom_amid_recession-104100.html#ixzz0GsXLwxPX&B