AvantGo Mobile Survey Shows Online isn't Where the Heart is
2/5/2004 - More people may be finding their mates online these days, but most remain skeptical about technology-assisted romance, according to a recent AvantGo® survey about love and dating. While 14% claimed to be dating, married or engaged to someone they met through an online dating service or social networking site, the majority of respondents who took the PDA-based survey still believe that introductions by family, friends and co-workers are a more reliable path to true love. In fact, only 4% ranked online dating as the best way to meet their Valentine.
"We are definitely seeing a global shift in dating patterns, though there appear to be some mixed feelings about it, " said James Ryan, editorial director at AvantGo, a service of iAnywhere with a registered user base of more than 10 million tech-savvy mobile professionals. "That was especially interesting coming from our PDA and smartphone users, who tend to be the first to embrace new technology."
The survey results showed very little difference in outlook from continent to continent regarding such prevalent beliefs as "love at first sight," though women throughout the world were slightly more cynical, with 66% saying they were true believers vs. 74% for men.
Tradition Over Technology
- Even with the advantages of technology, traditional methods for finding a mate remain popular worldwide. Relative to Americans, Europeans were four times more likely to find bars and clubs an attractive locale for finding a date, while Asians preferred social gatherings to find their true love.
- And the search for love continues to give a lift to businesses. While men plan to give their loved ones traditional gifts such as flowers, dinner out and chocolates, they are secretly hoping to receive an electronic gadget or CD/DVD. A third of respondents plan to spend more than $100 on their Valentine this year.
- Not everything has remained the same. While most respondents chose a traditional dating venue such as dinner and a movie (34%), a weekend getaway (29%) or an evening dancing (8%), 70% of respondents plan to take their PDA with them on that date. In addition, more than a third admit to having used their PDA or smartphone to impress a member of the opposite sex.
About the 2004 AvantGo Valentine's Day Survey
The 2004 Valentine's Day Survey is based on responses from more than 1,700 AvantGo users. The self-administered survey was completed over a two-week period and delivered on mobile devices via the free AvantGo service. Respondents were self-selecting. To receive a copy of survey results, please e-mail aaswani@citigatecunningham.com.
AvantGo Mobile Internet Service
AvantGo is a free service that delivers rich, personalized mobile websites to PDAs and smartphones. Today, more than 2,500 major brands, including American Airlines, CNET, GM, Rolling Stone and The New York Times, leverage AvantGo to target a highly desirable demographic of more than ten million registered users. AvantGo offers the convenience of anywhere, anytime access, seamlessly supporting both wireless and "sync and go" connectivity. To learn more about AvantGo visit www.avantgo.com.
About iAnywhere
iAnywhere is the worldwide market leader in mobile databases and mobile middleware. More than 12,000 customers and 1,000 embedded database partners rely on its SQL Anywhere® technology and mobile enterprise solutions. In addition, the company's AvantGo® mobile Internet service is one of the most popular mobile applications. iAnywhere is a subsidiary of Sybase, Inc. (NYSE: SY), and its mobile technology plays an important role in the Sybase® Unwired Enterprise initiative to unlock and deliver enterprise information anytime, anywhere. Visit www.ianywhere.com for more information.
AvantGo, iAnywhere Solutions, iAnywhere and Sybase are registered trademarks or trademarks of Sybase, Inc. or its subsidiaries. AvantGo, iAnywhere Solutions, iAnywhere and Sybase are registered trademarks or trademarks of Sybase, Inc. or its subsidiaries. ® indicates registration in the United States of America.
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