INTRODUCTION

1.1       Background of the Study

Computerized dating system has existed since the earliest days of computer technology in the 1960s and 1970s, primarily in the United Sates and parts of northern Europe. During the 1980s compatibility algorithms and matching software became increasingly sophisticated, and with the introduction of Internet in 1991, online dating system began to transform how people meet, marry, and from various socio sexual connections. The first site was established in 1995 by March.com and eHarmony, which claims to use a “scientific” approach to romance, and was launched in 2000, with hundreds of others following in their commercially productive wake.

Finding a romantic partner through online dating sites can be achieved through two primary methods. First, users can search the profiles of other individuals on the site and contact the ones they are interested in, which is similar to the traditional approach of scanning through “personal” prints advertisements to meet someone. Second, users enter their personal information and preferences into online dating site forms, which an algorithm processes to generate potential partners. Once a match is created, users communicate with one another on the website to determine how, where, of if they want to meet. The online site may be the only platform through which people connect; however, many shift to other mediums like texting, webcast, landline telephones, and even letter writing as their relationship unfold. Social networking sites like Facebook, WhatsApp, and Skype can also function as informal dating systems that bring people together for romance.

The ability of online dating sites to help create real and/or lasting relationships varies considerably, and success is typically determined by the number of marriages generated annually. The percentage of people who have met their spouse online have risen as online dating sites gained widespread popularity in early 2000s from 3% in 2005 to 35% in 2012. The stigma once associated with online dating has also decreased. In a recent study, 59% of Americans think meeting online dating is a good way to meet people, which is up from 44% in 2005. Economic success is another story, and although there are hundreds of new sites launched weekly, only 1% of them will be successful. This is in contrast to 50% success rate for other business start-ups and is linked with the vast market, fierce competition, and the relatively low rates of marriage produced on most sites.

Online dating sites are also explored in the popular book market, often becoming bestsellers. Guidebooks intended to help people survive and thrive in our tech-medicated dating landscape (Birch, 2018;) are especially popular. Other widely read accounts include those who adopt a generalist approach to the history, psychology, and marketing-related outcomes of online dating (Slater, 2015), and more humors take on Internet dating (Abraham & Kuperman, 2017).

1.2       Statement of the Problem

            The existing system has no basic features since it is solely based on physical interaction. Using UNICROSS as a case study, it has never had an online dating website. The new system would be the first of such, and necessary updates may go on with time.  The school is filled with many young people who would be interested in meeting other people with similar interests, this can be difficult because of certain constraints like time, funds etc.

            The existing system has the following problems:

• Does not enable Search Engine Optimization (SEO).
• Inability to Interact with Various persons at once.
• Inability to upload Profile details.

 

1.3      Aim and Objectives of the Study

The aim of this study is to develop an online dating website for UNICROSS students to carry out the following objectives:

• Enable registration and submission.
• Enable Uploading of profile details.
• Enable search for specific dating features.
• Produce reports of matched people within a period.

1.4       Significance of the Study

Online dating site allows you to get in touch with a lot of potential partners, meaning that most likely to find a night out. It’s easy to discover a date and fall in love with these people. It’s not uncommon for people in order to meet through Internet dating. Online dating site gives you control throughout the entire online dating experienced. For example; if you match with someone but discover they’re not right for you, you can unmatch. You also block them, and that will be that. You’re free to cut and leave a conversation at any given point without feeling unsafe.

1.5       Scope and Limitation of the Study

The findings of the study will focus on online dating for UNICROSS students by          building a website with specific programming language. The variables that will be used to describe the profile of the respondents will only cover the age, sexual orientation, daily allowance and most frequently used dating applications such as Omegle, Tinder and Near group. Online dating activities of the respondents will only be described in terms of meeting new friends, fling, eye-ball and building long-term relationship. The respondents’ reasons for using online dating applications will be limited to sexual desire, satisfaction and self-worthy, trendiness, ease of communication and timid personality.     Many limitations were encountered during the process of gathering information for the development of this project work.  The main problem I encountered was very limited time to carry out the research of the project and I also faced some financial constraints and power breakdown by power holding. Obtaining of accurate and complete information was somewhat inhibited. I had some independent investigation and internet surfing to ensure that relevant information was used.

1.6       Definition of Terms

Online Dating: The practice of searching for a romantic partner on the Internet, typically via a dedication website.

Registration: Registration to use a product’s services via the web platform.

Subscription: A sum of money given or pledged as a payment for use of services provided by its website.

Algorithm: Used by dating services to determine which matched members will produce a healthy relationship. Algorithm matching is done by using information from one of the following sources: Profiles, Questionnaires, the users actions on the service (the type of people they viewed, communicated with etc)      

Computer Mediated Communication (CMC): Users can exchange a series of electronic messages and participate in different social activities exclusively through cyberspace.

User Centre Design (UCD): Augments the product around the wants and needs of the end user. Not only is the design contingent on the technology, but also what people want to gain from the mobile site.

Representation: The description or portrayal of someone or something in a particular nature or being a certain way.