SA`s online dating market is expected to grow by another 20% this year, says Ramon Thomas, MD of black empowerment Internet research company NETucation.
Thomas launched NETucation`s second annual online dating survey this week.
"Last year we estimated the total online dating population to be approximately 250 000, which represents about 7% of the total Internet population of 3.6 million. This is not a good representation and we hope the number will double or even triple in the next two years.
"There is a lot of potential for this industry to grow. We are estimating a tremendous growth of more than 300 000 this year."
Thomas says the survey aims to study how the Internet has changed the sexual behaviour of South Africans and to determine how many meaningful relationships have been formed as a result of Internet dating.
Thomas says many users opt for Internet dating because it allows them to get to know each other before putting a lot of time and energy into actually meeting. "We find the average user of Internet dating is aged between 24 and 35, has a tertiary qualification and earns about R10 000 per month."
He notes that online dating Web sites have increased from 10 in 2004 to 25 this year. Among the major providers of online dating services, he says, are DatingBuzz, Couples, Galaxy Singles, Lovemail and SexyIntro.
The online dating survey will be online until 28 August and the findings will be published in September.
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