Mangaluru: Matrimonial websites are passé as singles across metros in India are hooking up via location based, free mobile dating applications and social media networks, according to a random survey conducted by ASSOCHAM Social Media Foundation (ASDF) ahead of Valentine’s Day.

Mobile apps like Tinder, Happn, TrulyMadly, OkCupid and others operate relatively on a similar mechanism and are specifically designed for dating, people usually use their social media profile and verify their account on other networks to further enhance their credibility.

The social media arm of ASSOCHAM had conducted a random survey of about 1,500 people in the age group of 20-30 years at 10 centres, namely, Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chandigarh, Chennai, Delhi-NCR, Hyderabad, Indore, Kolkata, Lucknow and Mumbai between January 1-February 10.

“We are living in times of great change, today’s youth is taking control of various decisions be it related to their career, financial independence, relationships thus it comes as no surprise that are using such a platform and technology in something as important as finding a life partner,” said ASSOCHAM secretary general D S Rawat while releasing findings of the survey.

“Dating apps are likely to gain much more popularity and following in the near future as they offer more choice and chances to meet people and connect with them online,” he added.

“Though currently it is at a nascent stage and not even worth INR 500 crore but with rising number of youngsters across India giving a try to online dating, it will soon become a multi-crore industry,” he said further.