Whatever our life stage, lifestyle or background, we’re all connected by one
common theme - the quest for love – but how does our life stage affect our
attitudestowards looking for the one and stepping into the world of online
dating. Independent
Singles takes a look.
Twenty-somethings
Work, active lifestyles, university, large social groups and a wealth of
opportunities all mean that the twentysomethings of our generation are never
short of new people to meet. So why do so many turn to online dating? For
people in their 20s, the dating website has become an extension of their
online persona. Weaned on a diet of Facebook, Twitter and various other
forms of social media, accustomed to shopping, banking, chatting, sharing
music and so on on the net, they've slotted online dating into their normal
lives effortlessly. Sitting comfortably next to the club, workplace or bar,
it’s simply social networking (where you nurture existing relationships as
opposed to forming new ones) in reverse, and another way to seek a mate.
So what are they looking for? Typically, at this stage in their lives,
twenty-somethings want it all. They’re looking for looks, money, ambition,
honesty and above all, someone who they can build a future with. In
particular, a study carried out by Netmums and Saga Magazine found that
younger women are likely to be seduced by a high-flyer, with their perfect
man typified by the wealthy ‘Mr Big’ character from the TV series Sex and
the City.
Middle of the road
Middle of the road daters - in other words, people in their 30s and 40s,
usually comprise of those who are in the market looking for a second- or
third-time love, possibly due to divorce and usually as a single parent.
With relationship breakdown on the increase, we’re now seeing a significant
rise in the number of divorcees entering the dating scene. Similarly, with
the rise in the number of children born outside of matrimony, the number of
single parents searching for a new partner has increased accordingly.
According to a report from Love Geist, ‘being a single parent is no longer a
taboo in the UK - the combination of falling marriage rates, the growth in
the number of people choosing to cohabit rather than marry, and a variety of
other socio-economic factors has meant that the number of single parents has
grown substantially over recent years.’
Technology has played a huge role in allowing lone parents, and those who may
be inexperienced in the ways of modern dating - due to coming out of the
security of a long term relationship - to meet potential new partners. As
social norms change and traditional relationships break down, online dating
provides the perfectportal for those singles looking for new romance, whilst
at the same time juggling everything that everyday life throws at them.
Silver Surfers
Online dating opens up a whole new arena for those people who otherwise may
not have had the opportunity to find love.
This couldn’t be more apparent than from mature dating sites, with the 50+
demographic proving to be one of the fastest growing sectors in the market.
It’s easy to see why too, considering this segment of the marketconsists of
around 78 million baby boomers, with 30 per cent of them being single. In a
culture that caters predominantly to the young, online dating has offered
those dating in their later years, an easily accessible means of meeting new
partners. With technology being very much at the heart of modern society
it’s now a case of‘if you can beat them, join them.’
Using cutting-edge technology to cultivate age-old emotions, this age-group of
online daters are looking for more deep-rooted qualities such as
reliability, friendship, and kindness. Unlike the twentysomethings who are
aroused by ambition, the mature daters have been there and done that, so to
speak, andare consequently looking for mutually accepting companionship with
a Mr or Mrs Sensible type.
Love at all ages
There’s no doubting that when it comes to online dating one mould certainly
doesn’t fit all. With this in mind, Independent Singles caters for different
age groups, offering a singles site which caters for the younger and
middle-of-the-road daters, and a Mature site catering for the silver surfers.
So whatever stage you’ve arrived at, live life to the full with Independent
Singles.