Local Internet research company NETucation launched the first local online dating survey today in a bid to promote the concept and dispel any misconceptions.
One of the main barriers to online dating is the negative perception, says NETucation MD Ramon Thomas. "A lot of people think that only nerds or technical people sign up for these services. We want this survey to change the mindsets of South Africans, and to promote the entire concept."
So far, little is known about the potential target market for this service, says Thomas, adding that the survey is structured to get specific information and insights from the participants. "SA is really sort of a hidden market.
"Through this survey we want to establish the size of the market, trends, as well as the likes and dislikes of participants. Each set of questions asked will lead participants to a different set, depending on how they answered. This will allow us to get specific knowledge from each participant."
The global interest in online dating is significant - Internet research company ComScore Media Metrix found that 39 million Americans visited an online dating service in 2003. Thomas says online dating has significant potential locally too.
"NETucation estimates that there are between 100 000 and 150 000 active users of online dating services locally. Online dating is one of the secret success stories on the Internet. It`s a way of removing the fear factor involved with meeting strangers, and an ideal way to meet people you wouldn`t normally come in contact with."
While promoting the idea, Thomas says the survey is not being carried out with the view to establishing an online dating service. "NETucation is just involved with online research. We are producing independent data, and will then publish it for people who are interested."
Thomas says there will be links to the survey placed on four local online dating services and on Ananzi sometime this week.
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