Most popular features of dating sites

People have always been looking for love. In 1700, a few years after the invention of the modern newspaper, the first matrimonial service was created. How things have changed since those days... In the 1950s, the internet was created, and in the 90s, the first online dating site came into the scene. The features they have might have been groundbreaking in those days, but today, they seem insufficient. The online dating scene is constantly evolving, and it offers us new and innovative ways of making their site more user friendly while helping them find the right one. Here are some of the most used and appreciated new features that online dating sites offer.

The first thing that comes to mind, is that today, dating sites are specialized in different niches. This is very helpful, as many people are looking for someone in their own area, from the same cultural background, of the same religion, sexual orientation, or social status.

Compatibility tests. Physical attraction just isn’t enough. You have to find out weather you have things in common, like the same things, have the same outlook on life…A good dating site will help you with that, and will provide with a professional compatibility test.

Chat and Videochat. Exchanging emails is fine, for the initial conversations. But after a while you’d like to use a more interactive way of communicating. Here’s where the chat feature comes in handy. An even better way of chatting is videochat. This way you can see the person you write to.

Event boards. This is a feature that provides with an excuse to mingle, and meet new people. Members can post different events, and invite other members to take part. This is a very popular feature, because it reunites people with similar interests.

Forums, or message boards gives members the opportunity to discuss different topics, or just hand out.

New members list. This feature gives you the possibility to find out who is new to the dating service. You can be one of the first people who contact them.

Winks. If you don’t want to risk or put yourself in the position of being rejected, sending a wink is a safe way of letting someone know that you like them. Now the ball is in their court, they can reply with a wink, or write you a letter.

Now, what do we do with people who are too persistent or abusive? We can “Block” them. A good dating site will offer you the option of blocking any attempt to contact you from people you dislike. On the contrary, if you like someone and want to be in contact with them, you can add them to your Favorite list.

Finally, one of the most valued features of a dating site, is the fact that they are transparent, and give you the possibility of knowing : who viewed you profile, when is the last time that a certain member logged in, what their activity is on the site.

Dating services have come a long way, and everyday they come up with more interesting ways of helping us in the dating process. Who knows what we’ll write about the features of dating sites 10 years from now?