Online Dating

Chemistry.com is having a free weekend starting today and it will run for 72 hours. This means Friday February 1st, and all day Saturday, and Sunday February 3rd new and existing members of Chemistry will be able to us all the features of the dating site at no cost and with no credit card required.

When you register during this promotion you will be able to create a profile and complete the personality test. When you are finished you will then receive your quality matches. There is no searching on Chemistry as their matching algorithm takes care of this process by matching you with the best candidates for long-term relationships. With your matches you will be able to view their complete profile and photos along with communicating with them by using email and chemistry starters.

There last free weekend happened in October of 2012. To find out more on this dating service please read our Chemistry.com review.

Let's take a journey to the lighter side of online dating.

Dating sites can be surprisingly serious places. Everyone is stressed about picking the right photo, answering the right questions, figuring out how to get their profiles noticed, weeding out the princes from the frogs from the axe murderers...it's enough to make you a complete basket case.

We all know the best way to get through stressful situations: laugh at them.

And that's just what many people are doing.

Take Antidates, an Instagram account that celebrates the best of the worst of online dating. The tagline is "Actual responses to dating ads. They never had a chance." Antidates is not for the faint of heart - prepare yourself for lots of gratuitous ab shots, faux gangster poses, sexually explicit conversations, and the occasional mime - but it's definitely good for a giggle.

There's also A(n)nals of Online Dating, which offers the following mission statement: "Online dating is the worst. Submit the horrific messages you get, and we will collectively laugh at them." Points are assigned based on "lack of basic spelling and punctuation skills; bad sexual innuendo; reliance on cliche; terrible taste in books, music or movies; use of twelve-year-old-girl text-slang; and creep factor." The higher the total point value, the more comically awful the message. Where else are you going to find the phrase "poop ice cream?"

(Please don't answer that.)

On the Tumblr front, there's It's Not Ok, OkCupid. The theme is the same: share the funniest, worst messages you've received on OkCupid so everyone else can enjoy them for the entertainment factor. It includes gems like "Wishing you were older and fatter, then I think we could last" and offers of "discrete pleasure" in the park. That last one might be a turn on for math nerds, but probably not for anyone else.

Online Dating Is Terrifying brings joy in the form of misogynist come-ons like "No woman can be super hot and keep a decent job at the same time," people who list their favorite movies as porn and Disney films, and tests on important subjects like "Finding out if you can survive if you have sex with me."

On Why They're Single, the name speaks for itself. Upload funny emails, awkward photos, and scraping-the-bottom-of-the-barrel profiles from the dating underworld.

And there's plenty more where that came from. ItsNotAMatch.com, ABadCaseOfTheDates.com, BadOnlineDates.com, WorstOnlineDate.com, BuzzFeed's "26 Completely Unexplainable Dating Site Pictures"...the list is endless.

Sure, it's not so nice to make fun of others, but at least it boosts our confidence in an area that many of us lack it. Besides, when you get right down to it, who's really a suave online dater anyway?

A Japanese dating site called DEAiBBS was launched in 2005 and were soon advertising that they had about 120,000 members. In 7 years of operation it has been reported that the dating site has earned 2 billion yen ($22.7 million USD). On January 15, 2013 7 people were arrested and charged with fraud relating to DEAiBBS. It has been alleged by the police that 80 percent of the members of DEAiBBS were not real people. 4 of the arrested people were part-time employees whose job it was to create fake profiles and communicate with other members to dupe them to pay and upgrade their memberships.

Over 45 claims have been filed against the dating service which are looking in total for 85 million yen ($965 thousand USD) in damages. Some victims of the fraudulent dating service had lost more than $10,000 USD to the company.

For more on this story you can read the Japan Daily Press.

Here's something I bet you haven't thought about before: your Fish Personality.

Are you an Angelfish? A Dolphin? A Lobster? A Whale? If you had to sum up your dating life using a sea creature, which one would you choose?

Sure, it's a silly question, but it's the question Plenty of Fish asks all its users. It's up to you to decide which water dweller best describes your dating habits. You have a choice of 30, and if that task doesn't already sound challenging enough, here's the only guidance POF gives you: "There is no specific meaning to the fish types - they're just for fun, so pick the one that you think best describes you!"

Not very helpful, POF! SO let's put our heads together and brainstorm...what does a Fish Personality say about you or your date?

1. No Personality: If you describe yourself as "No Personality," you clearly need to go back to Online Dating 101. I don't need to tell you why it's not a good idea.


2. Angelfish: The name speaks for itself, here. This one's for the good boys and girls of online dating who think a halo belongs in their profile pictures. Just make sure you don't go so far you're in obnoxious good-two-shoes territory.


3. Barnacle: Can you say clingy? A barnacle attaches itself to something for life, never moving and never leaving its shell. A Barnacle dater could easily become too dependent and afraid to take risks or strike out on his or her own.


4. Barracuda: These guys are known for their large size, fearsome appearance, and opportunistic predatory style. Barracudas are the pickup artists of the dating world, prepared to use well-practiced tactics to snap up their targets.


5. Big Mouth Bass: Remember Big Mouth Billy Bass? It may be the most annoying toy ever made, yet no redneck's house would be complete without one. If you're into that Southern, good ol' boy charm, look out for a Big Mouth Bass.


6. BlowFish: If the name is anything to go by, I suspect the BlowFish is only looking for one thing. If low-key hookups and adult dating are your game, the BlowFish is definitely your best bet. Just be careful...they can be poisonous if not handled correctly.


7. Bottom Dweller: You'll find these fish in the deepest depths of the ocean, living amongst mud, sand, gravel, and rocks, and feeding on whatever sinks to the bottom. On POF, the Bottom Dwellers are online dating's worst nightmare: the ones who still live in their parents' basements.


8. Catfish: By now you've definitely heard of Catfish, the 2010 documentary film and current MTV show. The Catfish are scammers, online con artists who are masters of appearing to be someone they're not.


9. Clam: The clam appears twice in popular culture: first as "Clam up" and second as "Happy as a clam." If you're a Clam of the first type, you're not likely to be communicative or openly emotional in a relationship. If you're the second, you're a "Glass half full" kind of person who always looks on the bright side of life.


10. Clownfish: Everybody wants to date someone who can make them laugh, so it's good to be a Clownfish. Clownfish have a unique ability to enter tricky situations - like life in a stinging anemone - and come out unscathed. Besides, who doesn't think Finding Nemo was adorable?


11. Crab: A Crab may be tough to get to know at first, but the payoff is worth it in the end. Breaking your way through that thick exoskeleton can take time, but once you've peeled back the layers, you'll find that the Crab is soft and sweet inside.


12. Damselfish: If you're the knight in shining armor type, the Damselfish is your perfect match. They're frequently kept as pets, so if you're looking to spoil your dates and give them a taste of what it's like to be totally taken care of, a Damselfish would love to meet you.


13. Dolphin: Dolphins are some of the smartest creatures around, but it's not just about their brains. They're also friendly, playful, and social animals who are always up for a good time. In other words, a Dolphin is the complete package.


14. Eel: Eels are primarily nocturnal creatures, and many live together in holes called "eel pits." Sounds a bit scandalous to me. Dating an Eel means taking a walk on the wild side, and enjoying all the fun those early morning hours have to offer.


15. Hammerhead: Unlike most sharks, who are typically solitary creatures, the hammerhead is known to form schools during the day - sometimes in groups of over 100! The Hammerhead knows how to play both sides well: social when he needs to be, and aloof when he needs to retain a little bit of mystery.


16. Jellyfish: The Jellyfish are the cougars of the dating world. There's something irresistibly captivating about them. Perhaps it's their beauty, or the fluidity of their movement. Or maybe it's their age and experience: they've roamed the seas for at least 500 million years.


17. Lobster: Everybody wants a piece of these guys. They're one of the most highly sought-after commodities in the food world, and they're equally highly prized in the dating world. You're lucky if you get your hands on one, so hold on tight!


18. Octopus: The Octopus is a real catch. They're athletic, highly intelligent, and good at adapting to whatever environment they find themselves in. They also have three hearts, so expect a lot of romance if you're dating an Octopus.


19. Piranha: The world's most famous marine maneater needs no introduction. The Piranha is likely to hop from date to date to date, constantly searching for something (or someone) to satisfy their voracious appetite.


20. Sea Horse: The Sea horse makes for a kind, steady partner in a long-term relationship. Expect a long and romantic courtship process, commitment to monogamy, and strong parenting skills.


21. Sea Urchin: They may look a little scary on the outside, but don't judge a book by its cover. Once you take the time to get to know a Sea Urchin, you'll find there's so much more beneath that sharp, tough exterior.


22. Shark: Assertive, motivated, dangerous, sexy...those are just a few of the words that come to mind. Dating a Shark is guaranteed to be an intense, sweep-you-off-your-feet kind of experience. A Shark knows what he/she wants and isn't afraid to go after it, whatever the cost.


23. Shrimp: The shrimp is a jack of all trades. The many variations look completely different, communicate differently, and perform different functions. Dating a Shrimp means never getting bored - the Shrimp can be anything and everything you want them to be (and may like to play dress-up in the bedroom).


24. Starfish: A Starfish is the "All eyes on me" kind of date. If you're looking for a little bit of candy to carry around on your arm, try a colorful, eye-catching Starfish. A star loves the spotlight, so this is a good choice if you're looking for an envy-inducing trophy spouse.


25. Sucker Fish: Beware of dating a Sucker Fish. In the wild, sucker fish attach themselves to larger marine animals and use their hosts, who get nothing in return, for food and transportation. Can you say "gold digger?"


26. Sunfish: The sunfish is, to describe it in one word, impressive. It's the largest bony fish in the world (the average adult weight is 2,200 lb!). It feeds on jellyfish. Females can produce more eggs than any other known vertebrate. A Sunfish will never accept second best and will do anything to stay at the top of their game.


27. Swordfish: The swordfish is a bit of a loner (it's rare that you'll find them with other swordfish, and even then it's only a loose aggregation and never a tight school). Swordfish may seem like solitary creatures at first, but don't write them off as bad dates. The swordfish also has almost no enemies, making a Swordfish date extremely popular and likeable once you actually get to know them.


28. Tuna: You can't go wrong dating a Tuna. They may not be the flashiest, most exciting dates, but they are steady, caring partners that will always be attentive to the relationship and make sure your needs are met.


29. Turtle: Is there anyone who doesn't love a turtle? They're so cute you just want to squeeze them! A Turtle may be a little shy at first, but they'll make a great date once you coax them out of their shell. Just be patient with them.


30. Whale: Whales are some of the most intelligent, social creatures in the sea. A Whale makes for a smart, friendly date with good communication skills (and as a bonus, they'll also be a great parent one day). Who doesn't want their dating life to be a whale of a good time?

All that and still no mermaid option?? I'm so disappointed!

For more information on this dating site you can read our updated Plenty of Fish review.

The online dating boom began in 2000, when around 100,000 early adopters braved uncharted Internet territory and dial-up connections to find love on the World Wide Web. Now, according to a Metaflake study, that number has reached 9.1 million in Britian and shows no signs of stopping. Some market players have estimated that in India this number will hit 115 million in three years.

Globally, the online dating market is estimated to be worth $4 billion USD. Two nations in particular, the UK and India, have seen especially steep rises in the popularity of online dating. In India, 6 million singles have joined dating sites and created a market worth over $130 million USD. In the UK, the online dating market jumped 6% to £170 million.

Metaflake credits the success of online dating in the UK to a few factors:

• Meeting partners online has been most successful in secular, well-to-do countries.
• Advertising strategies from rival dating sites have become increasingly aggressive.
• The British are open-minded and willing to take a chance on online dating.
• The UK has a "colourful dating landscape" that caters to all needs and interests.

Adam Sachs, co-founder and CEO of Indian dating site StepOut.com, sees similar changes happening in India. "Dating culture in India is evolving rapidly. Changing cultural dynamics like the increase in average marriage age... are shifting the dating paradigm significantly," he says.

These changing dynamics have made online dating a more socially acceptable option for Indian singles. Dating is now seen as a way to develop a close connection with someone before taking a step as serious as marriage. Internet dating services are valued for the convenience and accessibility they provide.

Despite positive predictions, however, it won't be completely smooth sailing for online dating sites. The marketplace is crowded and competitive, and the landscape is constantly changing. Social media sites like Facebook threaten to replace online dating services as they expand.

The growing use of smartphones is also changing the dating industry. Apps with location-based functionality are capturing more and more of the market, and mobile dating services that are simplified, cheaper versions of their online counterparts are increasingly prevalent.

Though the road may have a bump or two, experts predict that the only way is up for online dating. Metaflake's chief executive, Henning Wiechers, estimates that the UK's online dating market will have expanded by another 5% in 2012, and Indian dating site QuackQuack expects the online dating industry to see an annual growth rate of 20%.

For more current statistics on this industry you can read our Online Dating Facts page. To find out more on where some of these statistics come from for this article you can read IBNLive and the Guardian.

Online dating is an option that a lot of singles turn to whenever they want to determine their potential lifetime partner. What are some tips that should be considered whenever online dating is discussed? Read on to find out.

Online dating can be seen as the mysterious path that seems promising to a lot of singles. Currently, singles all over the world browse the Internet to find free dating sites which can aid them in turning their dream guys into real guys.

However, online dating is not as simple as it sounds. An individual who merely clicks all the free dating sites and signs up a profile in every one of them has less chance than an individual who carefully assesses herself and focuses on providing relevant, yet careful, details about her preferences.

To better get acquainted with the basics of online dating, singles should take consideration of the following online dating tips during selecting among free dating sites:

1. Specify which free dating site suits you.

Free dating sites are not exactly the same. Some are focused on dating such as Match.com and FriendFinder. Others are directed towards a serious relationship and towards marriage like eHarmony.

Oftentimes, singles might find it easier to date those who have the same hobbies as them so they go to free dating sites offering services to singles with similar interests - Millionaire Match is for rich singles while Senior Match is for older singles.

It would be better if singles decide which particular dating site they should take so they can utilize it according to its optimum quality.

2. Take online dating security seriously.

Online dating is similar to offline dating in the way that singles should still ensure their safety whenever getting to know someone. Basic online security tips are the following: never give your home address or phone number, always meet in public when meeting for the first time and go with your gut.

3. Respect to be respected.

Online dating is no excuse to get reckless and to throw in offensive comments to others. Singles should still communicate accordingly to people they meet. Also, whenever a person finds someone unsuitable for her, she should still have the decency to politely decline his advances. Not replying is considered rude.

4. Avoid white lying.

Online dating is can be full of liars who aim to scam people. On the other hand, it can also be full of potential lifetime partners. Take in mind that singles are looking for the loves of their lives in online dating - what would your lover think if he found out you lied to him in the past just to get his attention?

A relationship started with a lie is nothing but a scam as well.

5. Put your best foot forward during the first date.

Getting a first date through online dating seems like a feat to some singles. After all, the task does seem overwhelming. Therefore, after all the trouble you went through, you would want to make the first date the best dating experience your date can have.

Be confident. Go to a safe yet decent place with your date. Remember to pay deserving compliments to your date as well.

Following the mentioned tips can definitely help singles looking for free dating sites in online dating find the loves of their lives. Online dating can definitely help you in finding your soul mate - you just need to look harder.