Gordon Smith
Online dating for older people
Judging from the image projected by most online dating sites, you would be
forgiven for believing that online dating is only for the under 30s crowd. Why
is it that so many online dating sites appear to reject what is perhaps their
biggest market - the older generation (40s upwards)?
Perhaps
that demographic isn't seen as cool or hip to use the web. WRONG. Perhaps they
think that only young people have trouble meeting friends or dates. Wrong,
wrong, wrong.
Online dating is not just
for the young crowd
You have to suppress a laugh when a new dating site comes out that's ultra-hip
cool and trendy, because we know that in fact the 18-30 demographic are the
least likely of all to need the service. Why? Because students and young people
are already surrounded by friends, through whom most relationships originate.
However, in the older age groups it's a different story. Divorce, bereavement,
and relocation are just three ways in which people can become extremely
isolated. That's why, when presented with a non-patronising, non-judgemental,
realistic web site, aimed at them, they will flock to it in droves.
Some thoughts - older people aren't interested in technological bells and
whistles but they are interested in integrity, safety and the genuineness of
other members. They are totally turned off by spam and fake profiles. They are
attracted by simplicity and ease of use. They appreciate help and support, and
can instantly detect if a site has been designed with them in mind.
Strangely there aren't that many sites about that are designed specifically for
this demographic. I think it's a wasted opportunity.
Tags:
online dating, dating,
social networking, mature
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