The number of black South Africans who use online dating services has increased by 64% since 2004, according to a new study by Internet research company NETucation.
The report, Online Dating in South Africa 2006, says the total number of black online dating service users rose to 18%, from 7% in 2004. The number of white people using online dating declined from 2004`s 78% to 71%, Asians increased from 0.6% to 1%, coloureds from 5.5% to 6%, and Indians from 3.7% to 4.2%.
"Though the total number of profiles across all Web sites has expanded to 362 675 at the end of 2005, the actual number of unique users is around 230 000 because of an overlap of users," says Ramon Thomas, MD of NETucation. "Many people are hedging their bets by signing up to multiple Web sites, sometimes as many as three."
Ten new South African online dating Web sites were registered and launched last year, boosting the number of sites to 29.
"The increase in the number of black users is attributed to efforts made by dating Web sites like DatingBuzz.com forming partnerships with Metro FM and Sowetan newspaper," says Thomas.
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