right chemistry

Is the Right Chemistry a Click Nearer?
DateLine: 2006-02-12

By RACHEL LEHMANN-HAUPT

Although 22 million Americans subscribe to online dating services, growth has slowed substantially. From a torrid 77 percent expansion in 2003, growth slid to 19 percent in 2004 and just 9 percent last year, according to JupiterResearch. At Match, Jim Safka, the chief executive, laid off 10 percent of his workforce in 2004 and experienced a drop in profits of 37 percent.

Research indicated that services like Match.com were not meeting the needs of many members, Mr. Safka said. "They prefer being introduced to someone than searching in the Wild West of the Internet."