Matrimonial websites are passé as singles across metros in India are hooking up via location based, free mobile dating applications and social media networks, according to a random survey conducted by ASSOCHAM Social Media Foundation (ASDF) ahead of Valentine’s Day.
Mobile apps like Tinder, Happn, TrulyMadly, OkCupid and others operate relatively on a similar mechanism and are specifically designed for dating, people usually use their social media profile and verify their account on other networks to further enhance their credibility.
The social media arm of ASSOCHAM had conducted a random survey of about 1,500 people in the age group of 20-30 years at 10 centres viz., Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chandigarh, Chennai, Delhi-NCR, Hyderabad, Indore, Kolkata, Lucknow and Mumbai between January 1-February 10.
“We are living in times of great change, today’s youth is taking control of various decisions be it related to their career, financial independence, relationships thus it comes as no surprise that are using such a platform and technology in something as important as finding a life partner,” said ASSOCHAM secretary general, Mr D.S. Rawat while releasing the findings of the survey.
“Dating apps are likely to gain much more popularity and following in the near future as they offer more choice and chances to meet people and connect with them online,” he added.
“Though currently it is at a nascent stage and not even worth INR 500 crore but with rising number of youngsters across India giving a try to online dating, it will soon become a multi-crore industry,” he said further.
Survey highlights:
Majority (55 per cent approx.) of the total respondents said they had used a dating app for casual dating, meaningful relationship/connections outside the prescribed norms and traditions.
While about 20 per cent of people said they were using match-making apps as they were more serious about finding a lasting partner. Of the remaining about 10 per cent said they use match-making apps to interact socially or for networking in ways other than dating and the rest said they had no idea about such mobile apps.
Some of those who had used a dating app said they would prefer using a reliable and free dating app to find their life partner instead of using a matrimonial website or columns of a newspaper. While many even said that getting hitched through arranged marriage was both outdated and old-fashioned.
Of these many said that a dating/match-making app makes it easier for them to assess someone based on things like physical appearance, photos/looks, age, weight, complexion, nationality/geographic location, common interests, profession, lifestyle and others which remains totally private to them unlike profiles on matrimony portals which can also be accessed by parents looking for a suitable match for their children based on religion, caste and other related factors.
On being asked as to why they prefer or do not prefer using dating apps, majority of respondents said it is safe and secure as it allows them to maintain anonymity even though it does have the option for full disclosure, however, one is in complete control of whether or not to reveal their name, e-mail or post pictures and other personal details. Besides, there is no limit and one can connect with anyone worldwide.