FirstDate, rolled out for those aged 21 to 35, uses a Nobel-winning algorithm to match participants to one date at a time.
Chennai: This week Singapore launched a matchmaking service for its government staff even as the country has been battling a record-low fertility rate. FirstDate, rolled out for those aged 21 to 35, uses a Nobel-winning algorithm to match participants to one date at a time. "Swipe fatigue ends here," its website said, according to media reports. Meanwhile, Europe's largest matchmaking festival, which has roots dating back more than 160 years, is held in Ireland's spa town of Lisdoonvarna every September. The festival draws thousands of visitors from all over the world in September for traditional Irish music, dance, fun and connection. These visitors
burnt out by online dating apps want to meet people face-to-face.
Back home, especially in Tamil Nadu, match-making sites are very popular. While some families consult relatives, family priests or elders to find potential matches within similar cultural or social circles, others go for professional matchmakers and traditional marriage bureaus who meet families directly, note their expectations and help them find a match for their sons or daughters.
Most of the parents now prefer online matrimonial platforms that allow users/parents to create and get detailed profiles based on age, religion, caste, language, education, place, family background, profession and horoscopes. Some websites use automated filters and matching algorithms to suggest profiles based on user preferences. Besides matrimonial sites, there are hundreds of matchmakers who maintain databases of prospective brides and grooms and share their details through exclusive WhatsApp groups.
At the same time, dating apps like Aisle, Bumble, and Hinge are popular among urban youth who look for personal chemistry before involving families.
Once profiles align, families and/or the prospective couple meet, over tea at home or via video calls. Arranged marriages nowadays give both individuals the freedom to reject a match after talking to each other and assessing their compatibility. Having gone through this challenging process and witnessed its happy ending recently, this columnist is reminded of Jane Austen’s novel Emma, in which the lead character plays the role of a matchmaker.
