Speed dating is a new dating phenomenon that was started in 1998 and since then it has exploded around the world. Speed dating is a matchmaking process that involves single people meeting a large number of new people in a short period of time. Speed dating also revolves around the idea that most people can decide quickly about someone if there is a possibility of a romantic connection and that first impressions can say it all.
Speed dating events usually involve single men and women meeting up at some sort of venue (bar, church, etc.) where they are rotated through and meet each other during a series of short dates that are usually 3 to 8 minutes long. Group sizes of daters can vary from anything from 5 men and 5 women to up to 20-30 of each depending on the set up. At the end of each speed date the host/organizer signals the participants to move on to the next date. At the end of the event the daters submit to the organizer/host who they “like”. If there is a match between both daters than the contact information of each is exchanged between the two. Contact information cannot be exchanged at the event by daters; it must be done so by the company if there are matches.
Advantages include: it gives singles a chance to meet a lot of people in one night; it is an efficient way of dating for busy professionals/those with limited social circles; there is a lack of face to face rejection; men don’t have to be the aggressor; along with many other good points. There are some definite criticisms of speed dating as well, such as the fact that it focuses on first impressions and it puts extroverted people at a disadvantage. However despite all this speed continues to grow in popularity.
(Companies include www.faslife.ca, www.hurrydate.com, www.xdate.com)