Introduction
Today, online dating is woven into our daily lives. Apps are loaded on our phones, profiles filled with photos and fun facts, and swipes or matches often determine our next connection. But it wasn’t always this way. Meeting someone through a screen was once considered unusual, even taboo. So when did people start online dating, and how did we get from computer punch cards to swiping right?
Early Precursors: Before the Internet
Long before the internet, people looked for creative ways to meet partners. In the 1800s and early 1900s, personal ads in newspapers and magazines gave singles a discreet way to find love outside their immediate circles. By the 1950s and 1960s, pen-pal services and telephone “dial-a-date” lines also emerged, offering another path to connection.
One of the first true “computer dating” experiments came in 1965, when a group of Harvard undergraduates launched Operation Match. Participants filled out questionnaires, mailed them in, and a computer system processed matches for a small fee. The idea was radical at the time, but it hinted at the future: using technology to improve romance.
The First Online Dating Services
By the mid-1990s, the internet was growing rapidly — and love soon followed. Match.com, launched in 1995, was one of the first dating websites, giving users the ability to browse profiles and exchange messages online.
The late 1990s and early 2000s saw a surge of new platforms. From eHarmony (2000) with its science-based compatibility quizzes, to niche sites for religion, lifestyle, or hobbies, online dating became more accepted and diverse.
The Mobile & App Revolution
The game changed again with the rise of smartphones. In 2012, Tinder launched, introducing the now-famous “swipe” mechanic. Suddenly, dating wasn’t just about creating long profiles — it became fast, visual, and location-based.
Other apps followed, focusing on everything from serious relationships to casual connections. Mobile dating made meeting someone new as easy as unlocking your phone.
Modern Trends in Online Dating
The 2020s have brought even more innovation. Video dating and virtual first dates became popular during COVID-19 lockdowns, helping people connect safely. Modern platforms now emphasize safety, inclusivity, and personalization, with better verification tools and tailored matches.
There are apps for nearly every interest or lifestyle, and dating has become more accessible globally. At the same time, challenges like ghosting, catfishing, and privacy concerns continue to shape the industry.
Where Peakabooo Fits In
At Peakabooo, we celebrate how far online dating has come while creating a space designed for genuine connection. Our platform reflects today’s trends — a fun, safe, and engaging way to meet new people, whether you’re looking for love, friendship, or just someone to chat with.
Conclusion
Online dating has traveled a long road: from printed personal ads, to early computer matchmaking, to swiping on apps we carry everywhere. Each stage reflected the technology of its time — and each step brought us closer to the way we connect today.
The story isn’t over, either. With virtual reality, AI, and new innovations, the next chapter of online dating could be even more exciting.
👉 When did you first try online dating? Share your story in the comments below!