An Insider’s Guide to Computer Dating Services
An Insider’s Guide to Computer Dating Services
Computer dating services have been around for decades, even before the Internet came along. Years ago, these electronic matchmakers used extensive profiles compiled in a dating company’s offices. Some included additional features liked videotaped messages or interviews that were shared with interested singles who turned out to be a match.
Looking back, these computer dating services were considered cutting edge technology. Imagine what it seemed like back in the pre-Web days: you filled out a questionnaire and those answers were fed into a computer, which churned away and finally, after much computing time, spit out a list of potential singles who were the best match for you.
It all seemed so mysterious and technical. In fact, most of those computer dating services more than likely used a very simple matching formula. The “computer” behind the matching was the “hook” or the “draw” that brought paying customers through the door. These days, with the average person being exposed to so much more technology, with computers in basically every single household and high-speed internet connections being the norm, these old-style dating services seem antiquated by modern standards.
So what has become of the old school computer dating service? Well, today they’ve become the modern Web-based dating services. These are now the well known (and perhaps not so well known) online sites you’ve seen advertised so frequently. On the surface, these new style computer dating services mirror the old style services, except instead of reporting to the company’s offices for a matching session, you can enter your information from the comfort of your own home. That’s right, go online in your pajamas if you like and fill out the questions online at any hour of the day or night.
Beyond the basics of how computer dating services work, the matching process has also become more sophisticated. While years ago a simple matching process was sufficient, these days customers expect a greater level of matching prowess, ensuring that the people they are matched with are much more compatible than those they would normally meeting in the offline dating world.
While in the “real world” a dating relationship could well start with an introduction from friends. Followed up with a series of phone calls until the two people involved are comfortable with one another. Whereas, the online dating world starts with an electronic introduction between two singles and then, most often, a series of e-mails form the start of the dating relationship.
Many of today’s singles are too young to remember the old style computer dating services, but they’re certainly very familiar with the singles matching services available online. Today you can expect a very good level of sophistication when the modern systems are matching your profile with other available singles, but remember: the introduction is only the beginning. It’s up to you to take your dating relationship where you want to go.
