Merging online dating services
One of the newest and arguably the least common type of dating service to spring up over the last few years is “merging online dating services”. These services seek to “merge” aspects of the offline and online dating environment, allowing a more seamless transition between the two. While the methods that these services use to create this bridge vary between sites, the trend toward linking the real world and the internet is the common theme.
Peek a Bio and Chick n Chat allow you to put a profile on their website and then design cards with your user name and website URL. The idea here is that when you run into someone in the real world that you find interesting, rather than a swap of phone numbers, the site information can be provided instead. From here, the recipient of the card is able to learn more about you, and get a feel for the kind of person that you are.
Some critics have a few issues with this type of site’s concept. Some argue that handing someone a business card or other contact card is a bit forward, as this information should instead be requested, rather than given openly. In addition, these critics believe that if the traditional swapping of phone numbers has occurred, there is little reason to provide extra information that would normally be covered during a first date. While this might prevent an awkward first date, it can also eliminate one entirely, thereby defeating the purpose of the website.
