• by Jack Loechner , Staff Writer @mp_research, February 27, 2006

A January 2006 JupiterResearch consumer survey found that 5% of Internet users paid for online dating subscriptions in the last year, down slightly from 6% in 2005. Industry-wide user conversion rates fell for the first time since JupiterResearch began tracking that metric. According to an "Online Dating" report by JupiterResearch Analyst Nate Elliott, industry growth in the last twelve months has been driven by higher monthly fees rather than an increasing number of subscribers.

Elliott said "...thirty seven percent of visitors who don't convert say dating sites cost too much, making it their leading complaint. Only one-third of Internet users who went to dating sites in the last year became paying subscribers."

The JupiterResearch report also concludes that social networking sites pose little threat to the online dating industry. Just 14% of dating site visitors who don't pay for subscriptions say they use free sites, like social networks, for online dating instead.

For the complete release, please visit here.