According to the stats, about one quarter of Canadians have at least dabbled in internet dating, and presumably the numbers are even higher in a big, emotionally isolating city like this one. So fine, you know you want to go online to find love (or a mid-afternoon threeway), but how do you determine which website is for you? Consult this streamlined guide to the most popular web-based matchmakers.
Plenty of Fish
How it works: As if in a giant virtual bar, PoF users cruise the site looking for photos that strike their fancy. Profiles are basic and there is no matching system, so if you like the looks of someone, send them a message. Simple as that.
Cost: Free.
Who uses it: Everyone. Even daters who use one of the more sophisticated sites often keep a PoF account because, well, why not?
The dating pool: Okay, it’s a snobby thing to say, but the quality of people on most free dating sites is just not as high in the looks/personality/career-prospects department. That said, PoF is a good place to get your sea-legs before diving into pricier waters.
Hot tip: The male to female ratio is particularly high on PoF, which means lads seeking lasses need to up their game. If you’re a straight man who’s not getting any bites, consider asking a female pal to critique your profile.
Match.com
How it works: Members can search or wait to see who they are matched with based on a survey that asks about them and what they’re looking for in a partner. A highly evolved search function means that even the most random preferences (Filipino vegetarian smokers with pets) can be catered to.
Cost: $35 for one month or $20/month for three months.
Who uses it: Those itching to walk down the aisle ASAP. Match boasts the “most marriages” of any dating website and tends to attract people who are reasonably serious about romance.
The dating pool: Easily the largest dating site in the world, Match has something for everyone—unless you have a thing for broke deadbeats who don’t qualify for credit.
Hot tip: Don’t waste your time with winkers. While the “wink” function may seem like a fun way to start a flirtation, people who use it may not be paid subscribers. If you are interested in someone, be a wo/man and send a message.
eHarmony
How it works: New users complete a time-consuming personality profile that consists of 400 questions on everything from drinking habits to religion. They are then sent a list of potential suitors/suitorettes based on compatibility.
Cost: $60 for one month or $20/month for 12 months
Who uses it: Because the matching is done for you, there is no search function, which makes eHarmony a good fit for those who value the anonymity factor. (Think lawyers, executives and other “too good for e-dating” types.)
The dating pool: People seeking serious relationships and marriage, as well as those in a significantly higher income bracket ($60 is a lot of beer money for the 99 per cent).
Hot tip: eHarmony is the only site that takes the selection process entirely out of your hands, so be prepared to have an open mind about your matches, even if they’re not the kind of person you would generally go for.
OkCupid
How it works: Fill out a survey to access your personality profile. After that, you’ll see suggested matches, each of whom will have a compatibility rating as well as a potential enemy rating. Click on “the two of us” to compare answers to thousands of “would you rather”–style questions. This one’s fun even if you never get a date.
Cost: Free.
Who uses it: Currently, OKCupid is the darling of the hipster online dating world—it’s a little cooler with lots of room for self-revelation. Profiles include the answers to questions like, “What am I doing with my life?” and “What are the 10 things I could never live without?”
The dating pool: Surprisingly impressive for a free site. Expect strong representation from the realms of graphic designers, media and other coolie professions. If you’re hot, expect to hear from hot people. OKCupid employs a controversial looks-based rating system.
Hot tip: If you just smoke a little reefer now and again, click “no” on the narcotics question. A lot of people screen based on drug use, and you don’t want to get lumped in with the crackheads…unless you belong there.
LavaLife
How it works: The granddaddy of online dating now offers three totally separate sites—one for dating, one for relationships and one for intimate encounters. If you’re interested in the former, you’re better off using Match, but for a hot hook up, simply tick the sex acts that turn your crank and don’t expect anything that lasts longer than a weekend.
Cost: $9.99/month for a six-month sign-up; $16.99/month for a three-month sign-up; $19.99 for a one-month sign-up.
Who uses it: Horn-dogs, commitmentphobes and everyone else who wants sex with no strings. (No judgment.)
The dating pool: Significantly douchier with a lot less clothing—topless photos of men and porn star–inspired pics of women appear to be the norm.
Hot tip: Even if all you’re looking for is a little afternoon delight, meet at a public location and tell a friend exactly where you’re going.
Which online-dating site do you prefer? Let us know in the comments section below.
