The boss of the prestigious British Christian dating site, Christian Connection, recently highlighted the need for better standards and improved ethics, as well as the necessity to scrutinise elements of the growing online dating industry.
In excess of 50 percent of British unmarried individuals have made use of or intend to make use of dating sites, that is between six million and eight million people. Even though meeting a person online has brought about numerous marriages and budding relationships, an increasing number are finding the whole experience difficult and are fast experiencing disillusionment.
Jackie Elton, who is in charge of Christian Connection, which was founded in 2000 and is now confirmed as one of the best British Christian dating website, was replying to an outburst on BBC Radio 4’s programme “You and Yours”, which sets out to investigate industry practice and protocols.
Speaking out on the BBC Radio 4 consumer programme, Jackie pointed out that larger companies in the industry must focus far less on profits and concentrate more on the requirements, well-being and interests of its members.
Jackie stated that there was no real transparency in the industry. Individuals do not know very much about the dating sites they sign up to and how their operations work. There can often be misleading information about the numbers of potential partners that are available to meet and the sort of person they are probably going to meet. Individuals are becoming more aware of this sort of information.
She elaborated by pointing out how individuals are pushed into subscribing far too quickly and then find it increasingly difficult to withdraw or ask for any refunds. Also there are often reports of imaginary profiles and emails being sent out instantly without a real prompt to stimulate potential members and then get them to pay out a subscription.
Jackie emphasised that dating sites have to get together, not just as a way to protect their own interests but to ensure higher standards are maintained, which suit their customers. The necessity to engage much more with their customers and become accountable is of the greatest importance, she said.
