Dating in a Down Economy

Dating in a Down Economy

Bar Scene Dating is Out.

Is love and romance tied to the economy? Many would think that a dating service membership may be considered a service that you buy into if you have discretionary income but Reuter’s reported recently in an article “Falling stock markets spur searches for love online” that a list of web sites have reported increased activity since the economic crisis hit in September, 2008. People are looking for a companion during these rough times and are saving money on the traditional dating scene of meeting in bars and have headed to the internet in search of their partners instead.

I guess it is nice to have a partner with you for comfort when times get a little tough. People are understanding this need and while they can’t control the factors of the economy they can take charge of their personal lives.

Match.com reported that it had experienced its largest membership increase in the last 7 years in the month of November. Perfectmatch.com said that it saw a 47% increase in the number of members in the 3 months to November, 2008 as compared to the previous 3 months. Is online dating an recession proof business? All of this data seems to be supporting that theory and it sort of makes sense that if people aren’t going out as much and using traditional methods of meeting people that they will most likely be spending more time on their computers looking for love online instead.

One of these dating companies should do an “Economic Love Stimulus” package promotion and discount their membership for a week or so. Thomas Enraght-Moony, CEO of Match.com says “During these trying times, people are looking for hope in their inbox.”

I know that the winter season generally makes people feel lonely if they don’t have a date to bring to all of the holiday parties and family gatherings. You also have the anxiety of the New Years celebration where you want to bring in the new year with someone special. Of course the greeting card companies coming knocking right after with Valentine’s Day. It is so hard to be just single and happy anymore and know we got the economy pressuring us too. Wow. Quit saving your hard earned money and go buy a dating membership or you can just cancel your Netflix account and quit sitting at home watching movies by yourself.

added: LA Times article: No recession for online dating sites. – 12/28/08

-Brian R.