The role of technology in relationships has evolved in recent years with apps and websites that can
replace couples therapy by helping to mitigate relationship conflicts. So, too, has the web's role as matchmaker progressed. In fact,
17% of those who married between 2008 and 2010 met online. It's no surprise, then, that more sophisticated twists on traditional dating sites are making it easier than ever to find the one.
TheDatable: One of the largest risks of online dating is stumbling into uncomfortable situations with strangers. Though reported incidents are few and far between, “meeting” someone online—and then
meeting them in real life—is
not without its dangers.
TheDatable is
a new service that mitigates some of that risk by facilitating a new network consisting solely of singles within users' Facebook networks, as well as single friends-of-friends. The service does not enable matchmaking, but friends can log on to “play wing” and suggest dates between pals. Those concerned about broadcasting their love life in the News Feed can rest assured that all activity remains private.
Coffee Meets Bagel: Eliminating the time suck that typically accompanies online dating,
Coffee Meets Bagel is an
online dating platform that does the legwork for its members by delivering one curated match each day to their inboxes. An email containing a photo and simple user profile arrives at noon, and the recipient has 24 hours to decide whether to pursue a date with the featured subject. If both parties agree to meet, they go on a first date with a complimentary daily-deal offer provided by CMB. Moreover, a
gamification component allows users to earn “coffee beans” redeemable for free event tickets, drinks and products simply by referring new members.
Bad Date Rescue: With the
increasing popularity of online dating, it comes as no surprise that there’s a correlative increase in bad dates. To remedy that,
eHarmony launched a free app to save those who find themselves in situations that are quickly going south.
Bad Date Rescue allows users to choose a number—and photo, if one is stored—that will appear on their phone’s screen when a pre-appointed “call” comes through. The call can be scheduled in advance or discreetly triggered by pushing a button. For those whose white lies are no more credible than “the dog ate my homework,” a simple script is provided upon answering the phone.
