Kolkata: According to a new survey by Assocham, matrimonial websites are passé as singles across metros in India are hooking up via location-based, free mobile dating applications and social media network.

The survey said that mobile apps like Tinder, Happn, TrulyMadly, OkCupid and others operate relatively on a similar mechanism and are specifically designed for dating, people usually use their social media profile and verify their account on other networks to further enhance their credibility.

“We are living in times of great change, today’s youth is taking control of various decisions be it related to their career, financial independence, relationships thus it comes as no surprise that is using such a platform and technology in something as important as finding a life partner,” said ASSOCHAM secretary general, DS Rawat while releasing the findings of the survey.

“Dating apps are likely to gain much more popularity and following in the near future as they offer more choice and chances to meet people and connect with them online,” he added.

“Though currently, it is at a nascent stage and not even worth Rs 500 crore with rising number of youngsters across India giving a try to online dating, it will soon become a multi-crore industry,” he said further.

The survey highlighted that majority (55 percent approx.) of the total respondents said they had used a dating app for casual dating, meaningful relationship/connections outside the prescribed norms and traditions. While about 20 percent of people said they were using match-making apps as they were more serious about finding a lasting partner.

Of the remaining about 10 percent said they use match-making apps to interact socially or for networking in ways other than dating and the rest said they had no idea about such mobile apps.

Some of those who had used a dating app said they would prefer using a reliable and free dating app to find their life partner instead of using a matrimonial website or columns of a newspaper. While many even said that getting hitched through arranged marriage was both outdated and old-fashioned.

(Source:gizbot.com)