Several commenters have stated that singles want to keep their dating profile separate from their Facebook profile. While there will always be a demand for separate dating sites (free and paid), I simply cannot see singles wanting to go to a site with a million people scattered around the world that they (might) be able to communicate with vs. 200 million people all on the same platform. I’m not saying this shift is going to happen overnight, only that it’s in the process of happening, right now.
We all saw the MatchMatrix Facebook app at iDate. It’s a dating site bolted on Facebook, and for the most part, it works.
The issue is that singles are not yet comfortable with Facebook as a dating platform. This may change over time. Nobody knows if it will work, but there are several companies betting that there will be a large enough singles network on Facebook to be comfortably supported by advertising.
Still not convinced? Inside Facebook has a good article about the new Facebook privacy settings.
In our detailed guide to managing your privacy on Facebook, you can see how the controls currently operate today. In general, you can best control the content people see by utilizing Friend Lists and the “customize†feature in the privacy console, which users access by choosing “privacy settings†in the upper right corner of the homepage.
For example, if you created a Friend List comprised of work colleagues, you could prevent that entire group from seeing your Status Messages. By clicking on “customize†under the status messages category on the privacy settings page, you can give all your friends access to your status messages, except certain friends or a friend list you choose.
Facebook is creating privacy controls to enable members to share and hide their photos, activity stream and other content on a selective basis. These are the functionalities I’ve been alluding to when talking about Facebook as a dating site. With the new privacy features it won’t be long before I will have a semi-anonymous profile on Facebook where can say I’m single, align myself with various interests, brands and proclivities and be able to search for others as well as communicate with them.
There are many impediments to a full blown dating site within Facebook, but we’re just about there, functionality-wise. Now it’s all about educating singles, which is no easy task given the amount of money dating sites spend to reach new members. And lets not forget the stigma associated with online dating.
Agree or disagree, dating is getting more social.
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{ 21 comments… read them below or add one }
Hey Dave, I’m curious if you have ever used MySpace to find dates? Most young people use Myspace to find dates and it works perfectly well. Perhaps too well if you watch the Dateline NBC. Facebook is basically a more private social network because it was purposely set up to be for each college network, so it was easy to meet people from the same college. If Facebook really needs the money, it would focus more on dating. As an older adult, you can join or create a social site for older people, you can call it adultfacebook.com
There is some truth to the casual dating nature of Myspace but that’s a pretty big generalization overall.
Facebook was started 5 minutes from here and I’m quite familiar with the history. They desperately need the money, and are focused on ads now because dating is too “messy” to implement and investors would scream bloody murder if they did.
Myspace’s $900 million deal with Google ends soon, watch their profits plummet. That’s why FB is doing ads internally (and with some Microsoft help as well).
I believe there are more people on Facebook over 55 than under 25, or the 55+ age bracket is growing much faster, news about that surfaced today.
The 16.5% drop in high schoolers and 21.7% drop in college students appear particularly surprising, because they coincide with a 513.7% rise in users age 55 and older. Found at http://www.businessweek.com/the_thread/techbeat/archives/2009/07/facebook_flight.html
I haven’t seen MatchMatrix yet but, Facebook is becoming extremly complex to use for the average non tech user.
Why do u think the investors would get upset? POF runs on ads and it makes peanuts compared to Match.com I would imagine investors would be happy getting greater cash flow with paid dating subscriptions (u can call it bulk virtual gifts/roses) rather than the measly advertisements. Do u think Facebook or maybe even MSN will purchase Zoosk or other FB app sites? I’m surprised Myspace doesn’t use Fox Media to sell their ads, that would make more sense. All Rupert needs is his own search engine. If LinkedIn needed money, they could go after the sugardaddy singles, hah!
I don’t know it just seems like facebook would have hard time goin gafter the dating. Maybe you can use myspace for casual dating, but I think other things were more important for that site such as music. There is no doubt potential, but I just don’t see it. I think Zoosk’s model of having an application that works with their site is the way to go. I just hate Zoosk’s setup, where I can’t actually search for the type of girls I really want.
Facebook won’t buy apps, not sure MSN would buy them either, doesn’t make sense, since MSN is powered by Match.
Craigslist makes peanuts compared to eBay. But its got huge traffic because its free, and provides a tremendous service to its users. Facebook, in similar fashion.
Say, just how does MatchMatrix work? What’s the basis of the test? …In fact, there’s no test to speak of, so I’ve not been able to figure out the basis on which they can provide their feedback on. Black magic? White magic? Hocus pocus?
You’re right, there is no “test”. MatchMatrix is based on knowledge that has been around for eternity, You have a specific energy associated with you on the day you are born and identifying this energy can help with compatibility matching. It may sound like a far-out concept but it’s pretty accurate. Don’t think of it as an eHarmony-killer, it’s a tool which can run on the back end of a dating site which will help singles zero in on prospective matches. Simple to integrate, provides much more interesting feedback than most search results, it will be interesting to see which dating sites are smart and forward-thinking enough to try it.
Intriguing. The energy associated with you on the day you are born. Given that its been around an eternity, are there any online references for the basis upon which they are drawing their test results that you could point us to?
http://www.matchmatrix.com/Public/UnderstandingYourMatchMatrix/MEnUQ-A/index.cfm is a good place to start and there are various other names for the system. Google is your friend.
Nope, read through it. Says absolutely diddley about the basis of the test, in earnest.
“We use a birth date as the point of entry to an extremely complex system of information. This is not astrology; it’scompletely different!”
“Questionnairesare good for letting other people know what you think about yourself bystating your likes and dislikes. These answers are all from the mind!That’snot where the surprises come from. The surprises come from a deeper,feeling place not revealed in a questionnaire.”
This page shows info on the results, but nothing that eludes as to the basis of the test. http://www.matchmatrix.com/Public/UnderstandingYourMatchMatrix/4LifestyleTraits/index.cfm
What are you sending prospective clients when they ask the question, on what basis is the test made? What exactly would we paying for in licensing this matching system? The answers elude me. They’re not on the website, they’ve not been revealed at iDate, and as much as I like the people behind MatchMatrix, I’m as in the dark, on the basis of this test, as when I started talking with them.
I hear energy, eternity, trust us, but I’ve not heard a shred of anything with any real basis or meaning. I’d really like to. Please enlighten me/us.
The word “compatibility” has different meanings for different persons or companies!
I remember I checked MatchMatrix some time ago.
One of the inventors of MatchMatrix died in 2005.
MatchMatrix is based on:
“The old saying that men are attracted to women like their mother and women are attracted to men like their father is true. MatchMatrix is the only source that provides an objective way to accurately explain the dynamics of an attraction. The reliability of a person’s attraction is determined by the emotional imprint from their opposite parent at the moment of birth. A person is attracted to someone with the same style of communication as their opposite parent. ”
MatchMatrix indicates/expresses compatibility between prospective mates
as a group of icons and a very long written report
and NOT as
percentage like: 92.55033557% +/- 0.00000001%
Imagine if you have to screen 100,000 prospective mates and read 100,000 reports!!!
MatchMatrix does not have any Scientific Proof to substantiate its matching method.
Morever: What is important in attracting people to one another may not be important in making couples happy!!!
WeAttract, died some time ago.
Some Researchers think it is all about a high level on personality similarity between prospective mates for long term mating with commitment.
Regards,
Fernando Ardenghi.
Buenos Aires.
Argentina.
ardenghifer@gmail.com
I checked out Match Matrix some time ago as well. They have added a new product that provides ratings. It makes it easy to identify great matches without reading 100’s of reports. It’s the same rating system they use on Facebook. BTW, the app is called Best Friends and Lovers. I think it has gone through a number of upgrades. The latest is the most useful tool for checking out people I’ve seen on Facebook. Fun too!
Fernando… you might want to read the literature about Attractions on the Match Matrix site. I think they agree with you about the long term importance. But, I have False Attractions and knowing that explains more than you can imagine. Made a big difference for me.
Hello Denise!
You do not need to prove a piston engine when you need a jet engine to break sound barrier.
break sound barrier == revolutionize the Online Dating Industry
MatchMatrix is not going to revolutionize the Online Dating Industry. It is more or less the same stuff already available. Online dating sites offering compatibility matching methods could reach “as low as” 3 to 4 persons “high compatible” per 1,000 persons screened, so in a 10,000,000 persons database, you have as many as 30,000 to 40,000 persons to contact, that means a whole precision LESS than anyone could achieve by searching on one’s own!
Latest Research in Theories of Romantic Relationships Development indicates it is all about a high level on personality similarity between prospective mates for long term mating with commitment.
Compatibility matching methods has 2 steps:
1) to measure personality traits or other variables.
2) to calculate compatibility between prospective mates.
MatchMatrix does not include any normative personality test in its matching method.
MatchMatrix can not prove its matching algorithm can match prospective partners who will have more stable and satisfying relationships than couples matched by chance, astrological destiny, personal preferences, searching on one’s own, or other technique as the control group in a peer_reviewed Scientifc Paper.
Regards,
Fernando Ardenghi.
Buenos Aires.
Argentina.
ardenghifer@gmail.com
As someone who uses online dating, are there any numbers on what is more succesful for people meeting? Relying on personality matches, or some sort of system that matches with you someone who has like for like interests. Or are there more connections based on people just doing a search, and looking at pictures and profiles and sending to who they like.
How I personally do it, is I search based on body type atheltic or slender, because I want to be physically attracted to that person, and I have noticed when it tries to match me up with other people I usually am not interested right away based on body type.
Hi Mark,
Â
Thanks for your request for more information.
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If what you want is a solid way to substantiate the MatchMatrix compatibility system people say there is none better than from one’s own experience. That’s why we invite everyone to try our compatibility matching system for free— to experience for oneself how accurate it is. Anyone can get a free trial at http://www.matchmatrix.com.
Â
Follow the instructions and look at relationships were you lived together for a good period of time. Yes, this is anecdotal, but after 30 years of development and testing the accuracy is remarkable.Â
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Why do we say look at live-in long-term relationships? We all know there is a “Honeymoon†phase when attractions are running the show. The honeymoon is over when people settle into the way they are naturally. Why living together? Because we look at an energetic element in the relationship that has little influence when people are not sharing the same space.
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We’ve all heard about the couple that had a long distance relationship for years; then one of them traveled across the country to move in and within weeks it was over. There’s a lot more going on then finding out if the person folds their socks or not. We provide a way to know the issues up front so they can be avoided or managed before they come to the surface.
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As for making dating connections on Social Networks… The Best Friends and Lovers application on Facebook (http://www.new.facebook.com/apps/application.php?id=15307238458&ref=s) gives an opportunity for people to use the MatchMatrix system to interact within their social network and at the same time discover a meaningful and reliable way to instantly know the potential of their relationships. They can sort, search and communicate much like a dating site and have the added value of Facebook’s email and chat. The new PLAY CUPID section makes it possible for friends to help other friends meet people they’re truly compatible with. This is dating and match-making on steroids.Â
The transparency that is very much a part of Facebook and many other social networks is a plus. This makes for more authentic connections; that sounds to us like a real advantage for dating.
We want everyone to enjoy the best quality relationships they can have. MatchMatrix is providing new guidance for relationships that removes the major obstacles to fully honoring, appreciating, acknowledging and loving the important people in their lives.
At the same time we help people understand past or current challenges so they can move beyond the guilt, blame and resentments that to often cripples a relationship.
Please tell us what kind of test you’re looking for. In the meantime we’ll continue to change lives in a very positive way by offering relationship predictability FOR ANYONE frustrated with the results they are currently getting. The more dating sites that ADD this system to their mix, the more satisfied customers there will be.
Hey Fernando,
It sounds like you have your own thing you want to promote. Maybe its “the answer”. I can’t tell from what you’re saying. Please don’t bother explaining to me. I like what I’m using and it’s been totally accurate. BTW, you probably don’t really understand MatchMatrix cause there is nothing like it I’ve ever seen..and I’ve seen plenty. Be cool. D
Hi all,
Please let me contribute to the discussion on MatchMatrix, since I’ve received many private messages about this latest offering in the compatibility market.
I met Larry at the recent iDate conference, and he was more than happy to answer the questions I had off the top of my head and to give me a demo. As everyone probably knows by now, I am skeptical of any test/method that doesn’t have any real psychometric data behind it (“DNA” dating is a great example here, but to be fair one such service is attempting validation studies as we speak). All grounded and trained scientists are skeptical of any new or untested claims. My understanding is that Larry himself was skeptical at first about the very system he is standing behind now.
However, I publicly applaud Larry and Frank for their willingness to participate in some scientific validation studies of the effectiveness of the MatchMatrix system. We have had some recent talks about what approach would be best given the resources we all have, and they are committed to a legitimate examination of their process. We believe that studies like this will offer consumers more confidence in marketing claims, and hopefully the process will contribute some great new information on theories of love and attachment.
Let me say that education is still very much needed. For example, while personality matching makes sense to laypeople and despite some studies showing that personality similarity matters, meta-analyses of the extant literature and the latest studies on long-term compatibility show that personality similarity is not a crucial component.
I’m at the stage where I’m trying to learn more about the idea behind “energetic compatibility,” so we can devise proper studies to evaluate its validity in principle and practice. Stay tuned!
In the mean time, I wish more systems would have their theoretical foundations evaluated by qualified scientists. As far as I am concerned, Larry and Frank are setting a great example by collaborating and testing their ideas in a responsible way. I have no idea what the studies will show, but you can be sure the outcome research will be shared.
Thanks,
James Houran, Ph.D.
http://www.OnlineDatingMagazine.com
Hi Dr. Houran!!!
“Let me say that education is still very much needed. For example, while personality matching makes sense to laypeople and despite some studies showing that personality similarity matters, meta-analyses of the extant literature and the latest studies on long-term compatibility show that personality similarity is not a crucial component.”
Dr. Houran, although you are a genius who cannot be beat, I could argue:
* “personality” and “similarity” have different meanings for different persons or companies!
* No one of those studies used the 16PF5 normative test available in different languages, the 5th version actualized after Census 2000 or other test with the 16 personality factors as established by Dr. Raymond Cattell in 1949.
* Those studies failed on how to calculate similarity between quantized patterns. Even you and your team invented the PlentyofFish Relationship Chemistry Predictor based on a “46-item relationship test that assesses individuals’ standing on five broad dimensions of personality.” but failed on how to validate the test. “Validation of the POFCP was done using a national sample of individuals with the same demographic characteristics as members of the PlentyofFish community” /// “the only tool of its kind to match you to people worldwide” and failed on how to calculate “similarity” between prospectives mates.
Latest Research in Theories of Romantic Relationships Development outlines: compatibility is all about a high level on personality similarity between prospective mates for long term mating with commitment.
Even MatchMatrix with its “Each person has an energetic pattern. We overlay your energetic pattern on the pattern of a friend and look for intersecting points of compatibility.” could be speaking about similarity in personality traits!
Regards,
Fernando Ardenghi.
Buenos Aires.
Argentina.
ardenghifer@gmail.com
I agree with James. There is room for many different types of compatibility/matching systems. eHarmony isn’t the final answer, neither is MatchMatrix. Rather, they are part of an ongoing movement to improve the process of helping people find each other. Someone could easily come from nowhere and introduce significant improvements, its happens all the time in other industries.