Virtual Dating for the Real World

I’d like to post here an excerpt from a blog written by my partner, Ravit Abelman, in response to David Evans. They address an interesting question: To what extent does virtual dating compete with video dating?

David Evans has posted interesting analysis on his Online Dating Insider blog: Virtual Dating or Video Dating? As usual, he makes insightful observations and raises great questions.

I agree with much of his analysis, but respectfully take issue with this statement: “Will people prefer Flash-based avatars from OmniDate, live video conversations from WooMe or strictly speed-dating from SpeedDate?”

Virtual dating and video dating (or more accurately, video conferencing) are not directly competing options. In fairness, David seems to acknowledge that: “Totally different markets.”

David accurately points out that “OmniDate wants to serve as a bridge between profile reading and meeting in person … OmniDate is for people who want to interact before going on a date.”

In contrast, “Woome could care less if you meet up after your session.” In David’s words “video dating is for younger people … who don’t think twice about turning on a webcam and chatting with a few people.”

David points out that “OmniDate gets a lot more repeat visits than Woome or Speeddate” … I’d also like to add that OmniDate sessions tend to last much longer than video chats. Virtual dates typically go on for 30 minutes (and often as long as 1-2 hours), which is in sharp contrast to 2-min long video sessions. Afterall, it takes time to get to know someone.

I agree with Ravit and David - each technology appeals to a different audience. It will be exciting to see how these cool technologies develop and grow over the next 12 months.