MatchMaker was first introduced in 1986 as a dial up bulletin board system. The original system was based on the user’s telephone area code, and was rather limiting by today’s standards. Email capability was later added so users could send messages through MatchMaker. The site is currently recognized as the oldest existing online dating website that is still active today. The site has changed hands a couple of times, operating under Lycos between 2000 and 2006. Date.com purchased MatchMaker in January of 2006 and currently manages the site. Users are required to complete a questionnaire that includes multiple choice questions focused on hobbies, interests and other personal details. The site places members into specific geographic and demographic communities, limiting communication by users contacting those outside of their assigned community.
The Look of MatchMaker
MatchMaker has a very clean feel to it. New users are greeted by a large image of a hugging couple and a white background that gives them center stage. The user can get started right away by providing who they are and who they are seeking, their country, date of birth, a username, password and email address. Users can create their profiles for free and select from four language options, including English, Portuguese, German and Spanish.
The MatchMaker Community
The MatchMaker community has grown significantly since the original bulletin board was established. Initially, the dial up system was only appealing to groups of local computer users. As the internet flourished, MatchMaker saw a rise in popularity with more than four million users between 1990 and 1997. Even after the internet bubble caused many other sites to decline, MatchMaker continued to thrive. Today, the user community includes individuals from all over the world.
MatchMaker Features
MatchMaker has evolved significantly in recent years. Users can add personal information to their profile, including what kind of relationship they are searching for, location details, physical traits such as eye color, hair color, height and weight. Users can add more detail by providing occupation, income, religion, education and family information. Yet another feature enables users to list all of their spoken languages on the profile. MatchMaker provides an optional bio area that allows users to add content to their profile in their own words. This is not a requirement to create a MatchMaker profile, but helps the user to create a unique, original profile listing.
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