This rise mirrors the onset of the recession, indicating that perhaps recession itself makes online dating more popular.

One thing is for sure – most singles in Britain are looking for a fun and cost-effective way to find a long-term partner, and dating sites definitely tick that box. Here are the four reasons why:

1) You can get to know your date in advance

Many people are cutting back on costs during the recession, particularly when it comes to their social lives. Activities such as going out to restaurants and the cinema are seen as unnecessary expenses and people are opting for home cookery and DVDs instead.

In this climate, it becomes more desirable to screen potential dates a bit more thoroughly so that when you do splash out on that lovely dating experience you are fairly sure that it will be a success.

A dating site will usually allow you to read about someone on their profile, email them, chat, and basically get to know them quite well before you meet in person, meaning there's more chance that when you do meet it will be a rewarding experience. Meanwhile, less time and money is wasted on dating unsuitable partners.

2) The fun of online dating provides an enjoyable escape from recession news

Most people have been affected negatively by the recession, whether that's due to redundancy, a downturn on investments or simply due to the depressing nature of never-ending recession news. Finding love is the ultimate escapism from such news, giving more meaning to life and helping to make the recession more palatable.

Online dating is a great way to make life more fun and interesting when the world outside seems grey and tired, the added bonus being the genuine opportunity to find love.

3) You can interact with people at home

Without online dating, it is usually necessary to go out to a public place to meet new people, and this tends to involve spending money. People who might otherwise have gone to the pub or a club to find dates are now reluctant to pay for expensive rounds of drinks when dating sites give them the opportunity to meet people without spending all that money.

There is also a much better chance of finding someone you get on with on a dating site because there will be thousands and thousands of single people you can meet and get to know at the click of a button.

4) You can find out whether you are financially compatible

Many people find they end up spending far more money that they usually would when they start dating someone with more expensive tastes than they have themselves. With an online dating profile, there are usually clues as to whether a person will demand expensive far-flung holiday destinations and lavish nights out or whether they would rather save their money and have low-key dating experiences.