Press and Media

SUMMER LOVE HEATS UP WITH INTERNET DATING

Published on: 06/18/2003

Survey Shows Over 60 Percent Have Sex on First Date

Pearl River, NY, June 18 -- Popular online dating site iMatchup.com, which received survey responses from over 60,000 of its members, found that 60 percent have had sex on the first date, while over a third of those report doing so on a regular basis. With recent industry researchers claiming online dating reached over 17 million in 2002, and predictions of 27 million joining the fray by 2007, many may question what elements are fueling this phenomenal growth trend. iMatchup.com, which is owned by Traffix, Inc. (NASDAQ: TRFX), recently surveyed its daily users to dig deeper to find some answers.

“We see a wide range of individuals turning to our site to find fun and romance,” reports Dan Levine, iMatchup.com's romance director. “Internet dating isn’t just for urban techies anymore. Mainstream Americans are embracing online dating in record numbers as email and live chats via the web become the way to find love.”

Levine supports this contention by emphasizing iMatchup.com's community of approximately one million members, now represents a large cross section of the American population whether they be truck drivers, doctors, models, soldiers, single parents, students or seniors.

In a reflection of the growing acceptance of online dating by “mainstream” Americans, over 61 percent of respondents report being new to the online dating scene, with another 22 percent admitting that they dabble in it from “time to time,” while 12.5 percent claimed to be experienced online daters who “love it.”

According to Levine, iMatchup.com uses a step-by-step approach to actual dating. Users begin by posting a profile on the site and move to an exchange of emails, and then face-to-face interaction either in person or via a live video chat room.

As far as sexual activity was concerned, 21 percent of users surveyed said that they “almost always” had sex on their first date, while 40 percent admitted to having sex on the first date only once. However, there remains a significant population of those with a more puritanical bent, 39 percent, who say they “never” have sex on the first date.

“We found that responses were virtually identical among both men and women of varying backgrounds, although responders 50 and older were 18% more likely never to have had sex on the first date,” commented Levine, “or at least less likely to admit it.” What’s the best way to follow up after that first date? According to the survey, a telephone call is the preferred method (52 percent), while only 7 percent would use email. “As our lives get busier and more complicated, internet dating on iMatchup.com is an excellent tool for singles to meet the right person,” commented Mr. Levine, “but as easy as our technology makes dating, nothing replaces human interaction.” Some even felt that flowers (23 percent) or an in-person visit (17 percent) would make yet a better impression.

And where to start that first date? More than half of the respondents would choose a romantic dinner in an Italian or American restaurant, while 13 percent said they would rather forego dinner and go straight to cocktails.

About iMatchup

iMatchup.com is an Internet based dating site owned by Traffix, Inc., a publicly held direct marketing company (NASDAQ: TRFX). iMatchup.com was launched in November 2002. Since its inception the site has grown by approximately 10,000 new subscribers per day. It is one of the fastest growing dating sites receiving over 500,000 visits per day. iMatchup.com is a community of singles where people can be themselves and connect in a safe, secure, fun and exciting environment.

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