A few years ago, the idea of looking for love online would be shrugged off as something only web geeks do. But now, more young Chinese are taking advantage of the convenience of the web.
This is a Chinese movie called "If You Are The One". In this scene a man types in the criteria for a potential date. He writes, I hope you're straight, not a money worshipper, knows how to enjoy life with a bachelor's degree, but no higher than that.
It might look a bit surreal, but if you log onto one of the numerous online dating websites, you'll find plenty of similar lines. In one of the major Chinese dating portals, 2 million active users are searching for their soul mates everyday.
Baihe.com and The Committee of Wedding Services Industries under China Association of Social Workers did a survey and found that online dating has become the most common means for singles to seek romance.
Online dating website user Ms. Li said, "It broadens my range. You are going to meet a lot more people online than just colleagues and classmates."
Website operators look at the issue from another angle.
Gong Haiyan, CEO of Jiayuan.com, said, "There's a group of people, who are busy with work and studies, they could be new in town, so they have to rely on themselves to find a date."
The Internet has made match-making easy, because it is just a click away. Just type in certain keywords and you'll find a list of people qualify. Press "say hello", and a digital greeting will be sent to the person's inbox.
Online dating website user Ms. Yang said, "My parents tried to introduce me to some men, but I didn't like them. But the Internet can help me filter the list before I decide on a date."
Despite the apparent convenience, like most things there's a catch. Users complain they receive thousands of automated messages and a long list of possible dates makes deciding difficult.
And you can't get to know someone through a computer screen. Most online dating service users take part in offline events after they meeting in cyberspace.
(CCTV August 27, 2009)
