Relationships are a tricky thing. We are surrounded by people, yet oftentimes we feel alone. Match.com and eHarmony have been around for quite a while to help people select dates, but in the last few years these match-making companies have been impacted by newcomers who use smartphone technology to reach consumers wherever they may be.
Mobile apps are another way to solve the dating dilemma, particularly for college students. As long as there is a phone in a pocket, there is a way to make a connection, a friend, and perhaps a love.
Probably the most popular and well-known of these new match-making apps is Tinder, a mobile phone app that lets users quickly scan photos and profiles of potential dates, and select partners with the swipe of a finger. Tinder processes more than one billion swipes a day and matches roughly 12 million people each day. Tinder isn’t the only match-maker on mobile. It is joined by other firms such as Hinge – which uses Facebook to connect friends of friends, Clover – which sends someone to meet you at a location and date, and League – an exclusive site for carefully selected clientele.
Want to meet someone new? It’s simpler than ever using only a smartphone.
Group Activities and Discussion Questions:
- Poll students – who has used a dating app? Which one? Results?
- What are the positive points of these dating apps? Negatives?
- Show any of the following dating app Web sites:
http://www.cyberdatingexpert.com/
http://www.datingmuse.com/profiles/choosing-profile-name/
- Divide students into teams. Have each team select a specific target market and then develop an outline for a dating company.
- Make sure that students develop a clear, unique difference for their new company.
- How will this company be marketed to consumers?
Source: New York Times
