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OkCupid is an online dating site and social networking service. The application may be used to meet new people based on user input and specific criteria. While many use it for dating, there are also those simply looking for companionship. The social media aspect of interacting via messaging and journaling adds another layer to the experience.

OkCupid was founded in 2005 by Chris Coyne and Sam Yagan of TheSpark.com. It averages approximately 900,000 unique visitors per month. OkCupid has been acquired by Match.com in February, 2011.

Rather than simply offering matches, OkCupid offers blogging and fun quizzes. The site is less formal than traditional online dating sites with a more whimsical ambiance.

After registration, users are directed to complete a profile. Up to 10 photos may be uploaded per profile. Next, interests and favorites are added. Details of race, height, body type, and what an individual is seeking from connections are asked. Body type, smoking and drinking habits, drug use, religion, astrological sign, education, profession, and more are all included in the user profile.

Next, individuals answer questions to improve matches. These are multiple choice and opinion based. These answers may be made public or private. Each question asks not only what the user would answer, but what they would like a match to answer and asks how important the match’s answer is to them. There are thousands of questions and users are told that the more answers provided, the more accurate the matches.

Matches may be sorted by location, relationship status, sexual preference, and online activity. By clicking on a match, a user can view a profile and initiate a message, if desired. Matches are calculated in percentages, by “match”, “friend”, or “enemy”. Users can also view online journals or create their own.

The Toy Bin includes games and humorous content.

First, a user chooses gender, sexual orientation, and status. Options for status includes “married and looking for friendship” in addition to the usual dating options. Once a username and password are chosen, users must provide an email address.

OkCupid is free to use. An A-List upgrade is available for $9.95 includes an ad-free view, A-List search options, the ability to attach photos to messages, pubic and private photo albums, awards and reviews, increased message storage abilities, multiple match search settings may be saved, and more.

People looking for a way to meet new people as friends or potential romantic partners will appreciate a free site like OkCupid. The site is easy to use and provides prompts to help increase matches. Anyone interesting in trying online dating without a monetary commitment might like to start here.

• Options for upgrade
• Networking via journals
• Numerous personality questions and tests
• Members can create quizzes and questions
• Up to 10 photos per profile
• Receive notifications when a good match is nearby (Geo-Dating)

OkCupid video

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