History of Online Dating

-

 

From class projects, questionnaires and new technologies;
how the dating world has evolved to where it is now.




Have you ever wondered how online dating started? Where did it originate from? How has it evolved? 

The start of what we know


You might be surprised to find out that online dating started way back in 1959 with a couple of students at Stanford. As you know one of the key components of online dating is the online feature, which typically requires some form of computational technology. Philip Fialer and James Harvey used an IBM 650 computer along with a questionnaire to match 49 men and 49 women. They only had limited access to the IBM computer as it was a new addition to Stanford, it was the first mass-produced computer.

In 1964 is when we see the first match-by-computer being made. Joan Ball was the founder of St. James Computer Dating Service (later renamed Com-Pat). This system worked by translating survey answers and running through a time-shared computer, and the program would find the ideal match in the system.

Only a year later we have the launch of Operation Match, again which was started by students. Jeffrey Tarr, David Crump, Vaughan Morrill and Douglas Ginsburg followed a similar system of having questionnaire answers translated to punched cards and then processed by an IBM computer. They offered this service to users who filled out a paper questionnaire that they mailed to them with a $3 fee.

Ideas before their time

Since 2020 we are all extremely familiar with video calls and meeting with people through virtual means, but back in the 1970s this would have been an unusual concept for a dating service.

In 1976, Jeffrey Ullman founded Great Expectations. This worked differently from previous match-making services, members would record a 3-minute conversation where they introduce themselves and answer questions. These tapes were then added to their library with a resume that gave an overview of the person with information such as location and height. This service even continued into the 90s!

Gaining Popularity

With all these different options appearing there is not surprise in how quickly online dating evolved once the price of technology and the internet made it more accessible for individuals to get online.

In 1994, Kiss.com was launched. This was known as the first modern dating website and the first picture personals site to reach 1 million registered members. A year later we get 2 more websites; Yid.com and Match.com


In the early 2000s, there are a plethora of dating websites launching, all with different features and target users.

By 2009 we start to see the emergence of dating apps. With Grindr being one of the first to launch. Throughout the 2010s we see the launch of many of the dating apps we are familiar with (Tinder, Hinge, Bumble etc.)

Online dating in 2021

Today we have so many options when it comes to online dating. Dating websites that focus on the more traditional matchmaking service still operate but we also have the option to make use of proximity services that put us in contact with the people around us. Nowadays we can even online date on the move, with the popularity of apps continuing to grow we can find a date from absolutely anywhere!

We have the choice to find what works the best for us.

 What is your favourite way to date online? 

Leave a comment below and let me know

Further Information

https://www.historyofinformation.com/detail.php?id=3515

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joan_Ball

https://www.onlinepersonalswatch.com/news/2018/03/jaon-ball-invented-online-dating.html

https://www.vox.com/22262353/great-expectations-history-video-dating-vcr-apps

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operation_Match

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

New Blog

-
Image
 Hello there! Welcome to my new blog - allow me to introduce myself. I am a psychology student who has become fascinated by the psychology of dating, this blog is my space to share everything I have learned with you all in the hopes of making the world of dating easier. This is a topic that I have somehow become an expert in, I have researched basically all areas of dating from speed dating to virtual dating. During this time I have learned a tonne of useful information that I hope will help anyone struggling to navigate the world of dating. So if you are interested in dating  - stick around! Follow along with my journey: Instagram LinkedIn
Read more

Speed Dating 101

-
Image
 Speed dating can seem like a scary idea at first!  Even though it is getting more popular there are still so many people who have never done it before. This post is here to answer any questions you might have about speed dating.  What do I wear? This is one of the most common questions we hear when people are about to go speed dating. It is normal to want to make a good impression so naturally, we want to dress our best. Some worry that they will be overdressed and feel silly or worry they look too casual compared to everyone else.  My top tip is to be YOU. Do not worry about what other people are wearing (90% of other people will also be thinking the same as you!), wear something that makes you feel confident and comfortable no matter what. You will feel so much better on a date when you are feeling confident in what you are wearing. If that means getting dressed up full glam or wearing something more casual, then do what is best for you!  Your date will appr...
Read more

More than one way to be funny: What are the different humour styles?

-
Image
    We all know what it means to be funny or be someone with a good sense of humour, but did you know there are different styles of humour? There are a lot of skills that are needed to show off your sense of humour; you need the ability to create and remember jokes, enjoy humorous materials, and the behaviour to amuse others and laugh with others too. However, humour is not only used to amuse and entertain. It can also be used as a way to cope or a defence mechanism. In 2003, researchers designed a questionnaire (The Humor Styles Questionnaire; HSQ) which can let you know how you use humour. There are 4 distinct types of humour, and you might find you relate to more than one of these styles in your daily life. There 4 types include: Affiliative People who use this type of humour often use it for the benefit of being funny for others, they aim to entertain those around them with jokes, banter, and laughter. It has also been known to help friendships and relationships develop. T...
Read more