1. Online Matchmaking algorithms
Anne Reynolds

2. What is Online Dating?
Online Dating is, “a dating system which allows individuals, couples and groups to make contact and communicate with each other over the Internet, usually with the objective of developing a personal, romantic, or sexual relationship” (mashable.com)
Can use online via web or through mobile apps
Easy to use
May be free or require monthly fees depending on company

3. What is an Algorithm and why is it important to Online Dating?
An algorithm is a set of rules that are followed to solve a problem, generally in the context of a computer.
Online Dating relies heavily on complex algorithms to pair two people together based on:
Traits
Interests
Values
Etc.

4. Mission Statements
Defines what a company wants to achieve in the online dating industry.
Websites/Apps offer different social opportunities (i.e. connections, hookups, dating, relationships, etc.)
Mission Statement Type
Website/Application
Totals
Connection
okCupid, Skout, Happn, JDate, Bumble 6
Hookup
Tinder 1
Dating
Plenty of Fish, Coffee Meets Bagel, How About We, Badoo, 2RedBeans, JDate, Christian Mingle, okCupid 8
Relationship
eHarmony, Match, Plenty of Fish, How About We, Badoo, 2RedBeans, JDate, Christian Mingle, okCupid 9

5. Means of Information Collection
Websites collect information on you constantly whether or not you voluntarily supply it
Many online dating sites connect through Facebook because it allows the server to access an abundance of information that they don’t have to directly ask for
Means of Information Collection
Websites/Applications
Totals
Voluntary Test (Long or Short)
eHarmony, Match, Plenty of Fish, 3
Voluntary Information Form
JDate, 2RedBeans, okCupid
Facebook
Tinder, Coffee Meets Bagel, How About We, Badoo, Skout, Hinge, Bumble, Happn, 2RedBeans 9
How About We, Zoosk, How About We, Skout 4
Weibo
2RedBeans 1

6. Problems with Online Dating/Algorithms
Poor optimization representing all users
Forever online connections (Never leave the internet)
Catfishing
Bad filtering systems (Age, Location, Values, Interests, etc)
Widespread personal information available to the public
No way to assess success of site (i.e. dates, marriages, friendships, etc.)
Rely on volunteers – coming back to service to write about experience

7. Who hacked online dating services?
Amy Webb – a computer programmer, world traveler, speaker, and hacker of the popular Jewish Dating platform JDate.
Optimized her dates using a point system
Chris McKinlay: former PhD student who hacked in okCupid’s servers to optimize his chances of going on dates.
Programmatically altered the system through his own means.
Grouped clumps of women who answered question similarly together

8. Bibliography
"Algorithm." Dictionary.com. Accessed December 10,
"Online Dating Service." Wikipedia. November 25, Accessed December 10,