Finding your niche: the evolution of cyberdating

Unrestricted More than 16 million Americans of all colors, ethnicities, sexual persuasions and ages 11 percent of internet-using adults have tried online dating. Since 2004, the number of niche dating websites has increased from hundreds to thousands, as more online daters are looking for love on these specialty sites. Internet users can virtually find a dating site based on any hobbies, professions, obsessions and even chronic diseases.; There are several factors contributing to the proliferation of niche sites, including pre-determined common interests and a built-in filtering process. Some of the most popular website topics are body art, "big beautiful" men and women, and religious affiliations. Thousands of Americans have successfully used specialty dating sites to meet and marry their soul mates.