When the first modern newspaper was invented, people bought personal ads to discreetly connect and communicate with one another in hopes of finding love or sex. But, when the Internet was conceived, it connected us all, thus personal ads went digital and the Internet dating service was born.

When did Internet dating begin?

In 1995, the worlds first online dating website was launched in the form of Match.com. Lonely hearts rejoiced as they could now meet and flirt with potential matches without having to change out of their pajamas.

What is the history of online dating?

In 1998, online dating gains legitimacy with the release of Youve Got Mail. Kiss.com becomes the first modern dating website in 1994, followed by match.com in 1995. By 1996, there are 16 online dating sites listed in Yahoo!s directory.

Who made online dating?

Started by Jim Harvey and Phil Fialer as a class project at Stanford. Used a questionnaire and an IBM 650 to match 49 men and 49 women. Ed Lewis at Iowa State University uses a questionnaire and an IBM computer to optimize the meeting potential at dances.