Cutline Speaks

Matchmaker, Matchmaker

posted by Jennifer on February 14, 2008

A friend of mine has just signed up with an Internet dating site. She was showing me some of the responses she's been getting from potential suitors -- we were sorting through them and putting them in yes, no, maybe categories. It was funny because some of the people that I would have picked for her, she had already put in the no or maybe categories. The whole exercise got me thinking about the ancient art of matchmaking in the digital age.

Which brings me to Engage –- it’s a dating website, Web 2.0-style. You can sign up as someone looking for a match or as a matchmaker (which is perfect for the mother wanting meddle or the best friend who thinks you’re dating losers and wants to set you up with someone decent!). You can get introduced to people you want to get to know by your matchmaker or their matchmaker. By going through a matchmaker, you're able to get the scoop about a person even before introductions are made. I think it's a nice way to get to know someone -- by getting to know his or her friends (or matchmakers), who can vouch for the prospect and offer an outsider's perspective about him or her.

This matchmaker approach is interesting because it is really social networking with a purpose (love) on behalf of someone else (your friends). It's low-pressure, it involves your friends, and creates a supportive environment for online dating. Finally a dating site for the frustrated yenta -- with major benefits for the hopeful dater! Happy Valentine's Day!

Tags for this post: social networking