Online dating service providers are traditional dating companies that have expanded to the online service. Online dating service provides dating services to the public through the aid of virtual medium or internet. Online dating service providers enable potential relationships to blossom. It has been described as the "singles bar of the 1990's" and has doubled in size since 1996. Online dating service is done via real time chat, emailing, profiling, and telephone access depending on the clients’ choices. In order to access this online dating service, the potential client must have access to the Internet via an Internet service provider, over the age of 18 and have registered with their chosen online dating service provider. The cost of the service depends on the online dating service provider but be paid via credit card, cheque, money order or billed to the clients telephone account.

Characteristics

The characteristics involved with online dating service providers is the actual ability to sign-up or register to a dating service via the Internet free of charge. This is a feature of online dating service which makes the system and providers very popular to the potential clients. However, some companies do require payment for sending messages and the availability to receive totally free. These prices depend on the reputation, size and membership required.

Other features of online dating service include the ability to access profiles with digital photos attached to accurately select your match. Some provides include matchmaking systems to match interests and personalities, whilst some include detailed profiles with all necessary information to attract a mate. Other features include the Code of Practice which includes the terms & conditions of service, security for the clients and legal issues involved with online material, conduct and service. These conditions are legally binding for both the client and company to abide to. As well as these conditions, online dating sites are heavily guarded by Internet security measures to restrict offensive language, abusive natured messages, and screened to protect the consumer.

Benefits of Online Dating Service Providers

The benefits to the consumer in comparison to the traditional ways of dating include:

•the ability to be anonymous to the respondent

•inexpensive service and only a computer and Internet connection is required *safe way to meet people that is monitored for any unusual occurances

•fast and efficient search devices that are accurate when matching personalities and like minded individuals

•convenient access to the dating world via a computer that is available for communication 24/7, 365 days a year and does not have to be switched off if you don't want it to be.

These benefits are the driving force behind the online dating service industry. The increasing popularity of the online dating service is associated with the increasing access available to the Internet and the security issues involved when conventionally dating.