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{{Use mdy dates|date=July 2023}}
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{{Infobox Company |
{{Short description|Dating website}}
company_name = eHarmony.com |
{{cleanup-PR|1=article|date=March 2016}}
company_logo = [[Image:eHarmonyLogo.png|200px]] |
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{{lowercase title}}
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company_type = [[Private company|Private]] |
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{{Infobox website
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foundation = [[2000]], [[Pasadena, California]]|
location = [[Pasadena, California]]|
| name = eharmony.com
homepage = [http://www.eharmony.com/ eharmony.com]
| logo = Eharmony Logo 2024.svg
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| company_type = [[Private company|Private]]
| foundation = {{start date and age|2000|08|22}}<br />[[Pasadena, California|Pasadena]], [[California]], [[United States|U.S.]]
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| location = [[Los Angeles]], [[California]], U.S.
| parent = ParshipMeet Group ([[ProSiebenSat.1 Media]] 55% and [[General Atlantic]] 45%)
| url = {{URL|http://www.eharmony.com/}}
| launch_date = {{start date and age|2000|08|22}}
| key_people = [[Neil Clark Warren]] {{small|(Founder)}} <br /> Greg Forgatch {{small|(Founder)}}
}}
}}
[[File:Onewestbankheadquarters.jpg|thumb|Previous eHarmony headquarters in the [[OneWest Bank]] building in downtown Pasadena, California]]
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{{lowercase|title=eHarmony}}
'''eHarmony''' is an online dating site. eHarmony matches men and women with compatible singles of the opposite sex, taking into consideration what it considers key dimensions of personality. In addition to singles matching, eHarmony operates [[eHarmony Labs]], a relationship research facility, and publishes eHarmony Advice, a growing relationship advice site. eHarmony, which was launched on August 22, 2000, is based in Pasadena, CA and has operations in the [[U.S.]], [[Australia]], [[Canada]] and the [[U.K.]] The company is privately-held, with investors that include Technology Crossover Ventures, [[Sequoia Capital]] and Fayez Sarofim & Co.


'''eHarmony''' is an [[online dating service|online dating]] website launched in 2000. eHarmony is based in [[Los Angeles, California]], and owned by ParshipMeet Group, a joint venture of German mass media company [[ProSiebenSat.1 Media]] and American private equity firm [[General Atlantic]].
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==History==
eHarmony was founded by [[Neil Clark Warren]], a psychologist and author of successful relationship advice books.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.redbookmag.com/love-sex/experts/bio_neil-clark-warren |title=Dr. Neil Clark Warren |publisher=Redbook |date=2008-09-19 |accessdate=2008-09-19}}</ref> In the late 1990s, after more than 35 years of work as a clinical psychologist and marriage counselor, Warren decided to test his evolving theory that certain characteristics can predict compatibility, and lead to more satisfying relationships. After three years of research, working in collaboration with Dr. Galen Buckwalter, Warren developed a predictive, scientific model of compatibility that is now the basis of the company’s matching system.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.eharmony.com/about/eharmony |title=About eHarmony |publisher=eHarmony|date=2008-09-19 |accessdate=2008-09-19}}</ref>


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== History ==
The service was financed with a $3.0 million investment from Fayez Sarofim & Co. and individual investors.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2008-09-16 |url=http://www.onlinedatingmagazine.com/history/eharmonyhistory.html |title="History of eHarmony" |publisher=Online Dating Magazine}}</ref> In [[2004]] eHarmony received the fourth largest [[venture capital]] infusion of that year from [[Sequoia Capital]] and Technology Crossover Ventures.<ref>Lee, D. (2004). "Matchmaker site lands $110 million". ''Knight Ridder/Tribune Business News''. December 22, 2004.</ref>
[[File:EHarmonyLogo.png|thumb|right|eHarmony's original logo, used until August 20, 2017]]
[[File:Eharmony new logo.jpg|thumb|right|eHarmony logo, used from 2017 to 2023]]
eHarmony was founded by [[Neil Clark Warren]], a clinical psychologist, with his son-in-law, Greg Forgatch.<ref>{{cite web | title=eHarmony's new inclusive ads are enraging some on the right | website=NBC News | date=February 10, 2021 | url=https://www.nbcnews.com/feature/nbc-out/eharmony-s-new-inclusive-ads-are-enraging-some-right-n1257175 | access-date=December 4, 2021}}</ref><ref name="Investor">{{cite news|last1=Utermohlen|first1=Karl|title=eHarmony Founder Neil Clark Warren Steps Down as CEO|url=https://investorplace.com/2016/07/eharmony-neil-clark-warren/#.Wk1KgFWnGUk|access-date=January 3, 2018|work=InvestorPlace|date=July 26, 2016}}</ref> Warren and Forgatch created Neil Clark Warren & Associates, a seminar company, in 1995.<ref name="Investor" /> The company eventually became the dating website eHarmony.<ref name="Investor" /> During its initial four years, the website was developed by TechEmpower.<ref>{{Cite web|title=TechEmpower|url=https://www.techempower.com/portfolio.html|website=www.techempower.com|access-date=June 1, 2020}}</ref>


eHarmony launched its matching service for singles in 2000.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.onlinedatingmagazine.com/history/eharmonyhistory.html |title=History of eHarmony|publisher=Online Dating Magazine|date=2008-09-19 |accessdate=2008-09-19}}</ref> Since then, the company has had about 20 million members.<ref name="business.timesonline.co.uk">[http://business.timesonline.co.uk/tol/business/industry_sectors/technology/article4887501.ece Make Me a Match<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> As of 2008, about 15,000 people take the eHarmony questionnaire each day.<ref>[http://money.cnn.com/2007/09/14/magazines/fortune/fastforward_eharmony.fortune/index.htm Fast Forward: eHarmony<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> After finding a match on eHarmony, Harris Interactive reports that an average of 236 eHarmony members marry every day.<ref>[http://www.cnbc.com/id/15840232?video=1032728087&play=1 Love in Tough Economic Times Wall Street Journal Report with Maria Bartiromo<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>
The service was financed with a $3 million investment from Fayez Sarofim & Co. and individual investors.<ref name="history">{{cite web |date=September 16, 2008 |url=http://www.onlinedatingmagazine.com/history/eharmonyhistory.html |title=History of eHarmony |publisher=Online Dating Magazine}}</ref> eHarmony was launched in 2000, making it the first algorithm-based dating site.<ref name="history" /><ref name="SA">{{cite web|author1=Eli J. Finkel, Susan Sprecher|title=The Scientific Flaws of Online Dating Sites|url=https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/scientific-flaws-online-dating-sites/|website=Scientific American|access-date=January 8, 2018|date=May 8, 2012}}</ref> Between 2000 and 2010, about 33 million members used the service.<ref name="New York Times">{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2010/08/16/business/media/16eharmony.html|title=Dating Site Marks 10 Years With Ad Campaign|newspaper=[[The New York Times]]|date=August 15, 2010 |access-date=November 1, 2013|last1=Vega |first1=Tanzina | author-link=Tanzina Vega }}</ref> {{as of|2008}}, about 15,000 people were taking the eHarmony questionnaire each day.<ref>{{cite news|last=Kirkpatrick |first=David |url=https://money.cnn.com/2007/09/14/magazines/fortune/fastforward_eharmony.fortune/index.htm |title=eHarmony does what tech ought to do |date=September 14, 2007 |access-date=April 3, 2010 | work=CNN}}</ref> [[Harris Insights & Analytics|Harris Interactive]] said in 2010 that after finding a match on eHarmony, an average of 542 eHarmony members in the United States marry every day.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://video.foxbusiness.com/v/4324601/eharmony-celebrates-10-years-of-online-relationships-/ |title=eHarmony Celebrates 10 Years of Online Relationships &#124; Fox Business Video |publisher=Video.foxbusiness.com |date=August 30, 2010 |access-date=November 1, 2013}}</ref>


eHarmony has been profitable since 2004.<ref name="Guardian">{{cite news|last1=Clark|first1=Andrew|title=Dating site eHarmony aims to dominate British market|url=https://www.theguardian.com/business/2010/aug/24/eharmony-dating-british-ambition|access-date=January 5, 2018|work=The Guardian|date=August 24, 2010}}</ref> In 2009, eHarmony's cumulative revenue exceeded $1.0 billion while their annual revenue was about $250 million.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://blogs.wsj.com/venturecapital/2010/07/12/the-100m-revenue-club-eharmony-captures-hearts-of-vcs/ |title=The $100M Revenue Club: EHarmony Captures the Hearts of VCs |publisher=The Wall Street Journal's Venture Capital Dispatch |date=July 12, 2010 | first=Tomio | last=Geron}}</ref><ref name="Guardian" /> {{as of|2012}}, eHarmony had 14 percent of the U.S. dating-services market.<ref name="delawareonline.com">{{cite web |url=http://www.delawareonline.com/article/20121209/BUSINESS08/312090017/eharmony-founder-breaks-up-investors-company-reboot?nclick_check=1 |title=eHarmony founder breaks up with investors in company reboot |publisher=Delawareonline.com |access-date=November 1, 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131104021206/http://www.delawareonline.com/article/20121209/BUSINESS08/312090017/eHarmony-founder-breaks-up-investors-company-reboot?nclick_check=1 |archive-date=November 4, 2013 }}</ref>
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==Methodology==


In July 2012, Neil Clark Warren came out of retirement to become chief executive officer. Warren closed unprofitable international operations, switched advertisers, made changes to the board,<ref name="latimes.com">{{cite web|url=http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-eharmony-20121214,0,496523.story |title=EHarmony founder has his heart set on reviving the dating site |work=[[Los Angeles Times]] |date=December 13, 2012 |access-date=November 1, 2013}}</ref> and bought back stock from Sequoia Capital and [[Technology Crossover Ventures]].<ref name="delawareonline.com" /> eHarmony featured in the 2013 film ''[[The Secret Life of Walter Mitty (2013 film)|The Secret Life of Walter Mitty]]'', where the namesake protagonist speaks to a personal counselor at the company.<ref>{{Cite web|date=December 11, 2013|title=EHarmony Launches Service Modeled After 'Walter Mitty' Plotline|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/secret-life-walter-mitty-eharmony-664616|url-status=live|access-date=March 21, 2021|website=The Hollywood Reporter|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131215074352/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com:80/news/secret-life-walter-mitty-eharmony-664616 |archive-date=December 15, 2013 }}</ref> In 2017, it was reported that eHarmony had about 750,000 paid subscribers and 10 million active users, which was about the same as it had been in 2012.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Weller|first1=Chris|title=eHarmony is gearing up for a battle to win back millennials from Tinder and Bumble|url=http://www.businessinsider.com/eharmony-win-back-millennials-2017-2|website=Business Insider|access-date=January 5, 2018|date=February 18, 2017}}</ref> Warren left the company again in July 2016.<ref name="Investor" />
Compatibility is the core tenet at eHarmony, as Warren’s research indicated that a couple’s compatibility was the leading indicator of long-term success. As [[CEO]] [[Greg Waldorf]] explained, “It's not about matching people who like certain hobbies ... it's about compatibility. You go on to the site and tell us about you, rather than about what you want."<ref name="business.timesonline.co.uk"/>


In 2016, eHarmony announced their questionnaire would now be optional for users.<ref name="TechCrunch">{{cite web|last1=Crook|first1=Jordan|title=eHarmony makes its questionnaire optional to get hip with the times|url=https://techcrunch.com/2016/12/15/eharmony-makes-its-questionnaire-optional-to-get-hip-with-the-times/|website=TechCrunch|access-date=January 3, 2018|date=December 15, 2016}}</ref> By 2017, the questionnaire consisted of 150 questions, down from 450 questions.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Marinova|first1=Polina|title=How Dating Site eHarmony Uses Machine Learning to Help You Find Love|url=http://fortune.com/2017/02/14/eharmony-dating-machine-learning/|access-date=January 3, 2018|date=February 14, 2017}}</ref>
Early on, eHarmony’s scientific approach to a deeply personal and emotional process<ref name="How to Live and Love Online">[http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/technology/7651293.stm How to Live and Love Online<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> differentiated its matching service. While competitive dating sites require users to browse photos and profiles, new eHarmony members complete a questionnaire that determines key characteristics, beliefs, values, emotional health and skills. Sophisticated matching algorithms – the basis of the matching system Warren and Buckwalter developed, which the company believes matches people's core traits and values to replicate the traits of happy couples – use these answers to match members with compatible users.<ref name="Brits Value Sex and Inlaws">[http://www.forbes.com/reuters/feeds/reuters/2008/10/05/2008-10-05T230106Z_01_L2659148_RTRIDST_0_ONLINE-DATING-EHARMONY.html Brits Value Sex and Inlaws<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>


In 2018, German mass media company ProSiebenSat.1 Media purchased eHarmony via their [[Nucom]] ecommerce division (a joint venture of ProSiebenSat and private equity firm [[General Atlantic]]).<ref name="Reuters">{{Cite news|title = Germany's ProSieben buys U.S. online dating site eharmony|url = https://www.reuters.com/article/us-eharmony-m-a-prosieben-media/germanys-prosieben-buys-us-online-dating-site-eharmony-idUSKCN1N30Y6|work = [[Reuters|Reuters Business News]]|access-date = April 29, 2019|date=October 29, 2018}}</ref>
Besides values and personality traits, the questionnaire, which takes about an hour to complete,<ref name="How to Live and Love Online"/> allows members to tailor their matches based on a handful of parameters, including geographical distance, desire or presence of existing children from prior relationships, and religion as well as habits such as drinking and smoking.


In 2020, the parent company ParshipMeet Group was formed to manage eHarmony, [[Parship]] and [[The Meet Group]], after the acquisition of The Meet Group by [[ProSiebenSat.1 Media]].<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2020-03-05/prosiebensat-1-struggles-with-turnaround-amid-tough-tv-ad-market |title=ProSieben to Buy Dating Firm Meet Group in Tough TV Market | first=Stefan | last=Nicola | work=[[Bloomberg News]] | date=March 5, 2020}}</ref><ref>{{Cite press release |url=https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200904005336/en/Meet-Group-Announces-Closing-Acquisition-eharmony-Parent |title=The Meet Group Announces Closing of Acquisition by eharmony Parent Company Parship Group | agency=[[Business Wire]] |date=September 4, 2020}}</ref>
Although eHarmony is less than 10 years old, eHarmony has begun to track its success stories. While eHarmony's research methods and its models for compatibility matching have not been submitted to any [[peer-reviewed]] journals for evaluation and publication, in 2004, eHarmony's research director, Dr. Steve Carter presented a paper at the 16th Annual [[American Psychological Society]] (APS) meeting. In the paper presented, Carter compared eHarmony couples married for more than five years with a control group, using the [http://doi.apa.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=showUIDAbstract&uid=1977-00122-001 Dyadic Adjustment Scale](DAS), a measure of couple satisfaction. The results showed that "over 90% of eHarmony couples had marriage quality scores which were above average when compared to couples who had begun their relationships elsewhere. eHarmony couples were more than twice as likely to be in highly successful marriages than non-eHarmony couples... Not only are eHarmony couples 35% more likely than other married couples to report that they enjoy spending time together, but we found they are nearly twice as likely to report that their marriages are "extremely happy" or better versus other recently married couples."<ref>[http://www.eharmony.com/singles/servlet/press/releases?id=12 eHarmony press release on customer satisfaction study], Mar 15, 2004, results from an in-house clinical survey of former customers</ref>


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== Methodology ==
Research remains central at eHarmony as the Company rolls out its matching service to different markets. eHarmony analysis shows that across cultures couples value very different things, differences that the company has accounted for in the matches it provides members in different countries. In the [[U.S.]], for example, couples put more focus on the interpersonal facets of their relationships, reporting that they laugh together, exchange ideas, kiss, and confide in each other more often.<ref name="How to Live and Love Online"/> In [[Australia]], couples report highest overall happiness with their marriages. Australians are also less concerned about how often their spouses shows affection. Married people in the [[U.K.]], on the other hand, are more satisfied with how they share household chores and how much time they spend together.<ref name="Brits Value Sex and Inlaws"/>
Prospective members complete a proprietary questionnaire about their characteristics, beliefs, values, emotional health and skills. Matching [[algorithms]], which the company believes match people's core traits and values to replicate the traits of happy couples, use these answers to match members with users the company believes will be compatible.<ref name="Brits Value Sex and Inlaws">{{cite news |author=Georgina Prodhan |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE4967YO20081007 |title=Brits value sex and in-laws, Web dating company finds |publisher=Reuters |date=October 7, 2008 |access-date=May 4, 2010}}</ref> The software technology also evaluates users' behavioral data such as average time spent on the site.<ref>{{cite news|author=Jessica Shambora |url=http://fortune.com/2010/09/23/eharmonys-algorithm-of-love/ |title=eHarmony's algorithm of love |work=Fortune |date=September 23, 2010|access-date=February 5, 2011}}</ref>


Buckwalter says that the compatibility system rests a lot on commonality, for their belief is that "Opposites attract, then they attack."<ref>{{cite web |last=Canning |first=Andrea |url=https://abcnews.go.com/GMA/OnCall/story?id=4280987&page=1 |title=A Look Inside the eHarmony Love Lab |work=ABC News |date=February 13, 2008 |access-date=November 1, 2013}}</ref>
Although the company has received criticism for matching only heterosexual couples, eHarmony announced plans, in November 2008, to roll out a same-sex matching service [[Compatible Partners]].


Starting in January 2017, eHarmony users could see why they are considered compatible with a feature called "The Two Of You Together". They will be able to see the matches who score at an advanced level of compatibility and also why.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlinepersonalswatch.com/news/2016/12/eharmonys-new-ceo-grant-langston-shares-his-new-vision.html |title=eHarmony's New CEO Grant Langston Shares His New Vision |publisher=OnlinePersonalsWatch.com |date=December 23, 2016 |access-date=December 26, 2016}}</ref>
==Current board of directors==
* [[Neil Clark Warren]], Founder of eHarmony
* Greg Forgatch, Founder of eHarmony
* Sameer Gandhi, [[Partner]] at [[Accel Partners]]
* Pete Hart, [[Chairman of the Board]] of SVB Financial Corp. and Silicon Valley Bank
* Jay Hoag, General Partner at Technology Crossover Ventures
* Jaynie Studenmund, Director of [[Orbitz|Orbitz Worldwide]]
* [[Greg Waldorf]], Founding Investor and [[CEO]]


== Reception and analysis ==
==Current executives==
* [[Greg Waldorf]], Founding Investor and [[CEO]]
* Greg Steiner, [[President]] and [[Chief operating officer|COO]]


=== Applicant rejection===
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==Criticism==
It is estimated that about 20% of eHarmony applicants are rejected.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Miller|first1=Lisa|title=Belief Watch: eHarmony's Algorithm for Mr. Right|url=http://www.newsweek.com/belief-watch-eharmonys-algorithm-mr-right-86273|website=Newsweek|access-date=January 8, 2018|date=April 26, 2008}}</ref> In 2007, eHarmony stated since the site's launch, they had rejected about a million people who applied to use the service. They reported that about 30% of those applicants were denied because they were already married, 27% were younger than the minimum application age of 21, and 9% provided inconsistent answers on the application. eHarmony also stated they reject anyone under the age of 60 who has been married more than four times, or who fails their "[[dysthymia]] scale", testing as having a depressed disposition.<ref>{{cite news |first=Paul |last=Farhi |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/05/12/AR2007051201350.html?hpid=topnews |title=They Met Online, but Definitely Didn't Click |newspaper=The Washington Post |date=May 13, 2007 |pages=D01 |access-date=May 13, 2007}}</ref>
eHarmony does not match gay individuals, which led to criticism.<ref name=usatoday>Kornblum, Janet. "[http://www.usatoday.com/life/people/2005-05-18-eharmony_x.htm eHarmony: Heart and soul]", ''USA Today'', May 18, 2005</ref> Warren explained that he had not done the same amount of research on same-sex match-making as he had done on heterosexual match-making.<ref name=usatoday/> He also notes that eHarmony emphasizes marriage, and that same-sex marriage is not legal in most states.<ref name=usatoday/> In a discussion regarding eHarmony's lack of services to gay individuals, Warren is reported as having said, "Where Focus on the Family and a lot of these other places come from is that there are six places in the Bible that say homosexuality is wrong." But then he continued: "On the other hand, in the Old Testament if you work on the Sabbath day and you're guilty then you should be shot."<ref>[http://archive.salon.com/mwt/feature/2005/06/10/warren/index3.html]</ref> eHarmony's lack of same-sex matching options has prompted lawsuits claiming that eHarmony has violated laws prohibiting discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation.<ref>{{Cite web |first=Bob |last=Egelko |url=http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2007/06/01/BAGNSQ63EQ6.DTL |title=EHarmony sued for excluding same-sex matches |publisher=The San Francisco Chronicle |date=2007-06-01}}</ref> A California case was dismissed, but as part of the settlement of a New Jersey case, eHarmony launched a partner website called [[Compatible Partners]] providing same-sex match-making "for serious couples"<ref>[http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5hqWaIhebV73ULjPWUfwRcEX-7oPgD94I61M00 eHarmony agrees to provide same-sex matches Beth DeFalco / Associated Press, 19 Nov 2008]</ref><ref>[http://www.compatiblepartners.net/]</ref> According to the [[Associated Press]], neither the company nor Warren acknowledged any liability. [[Theodore B. Olson]], an attorney for eHarmony, said that even though the company believed the complaint was "an unfair characterization of our business," it chose to settle because of the unpredictable nature of litigation.<ref>[http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/ap/business/6121126.html eHarmony agrees to provide same-sex matches]</ref>


=== Same-sex couples ===
Some complain that the procedure to unsubscribe from the service is unfair or misleading. There have been reports of credit cards continuing to be charged following subscription expiry.<ref name="caffairslog">{{Cite web |title=Consumeraffairs.com eHarmony complaint log complaints lodged since 2004-03-19 |accessdate=2006-06-05 |url=http://www.consumeraffairs.com/dating_services/eharmony.html |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/5eohOq2PM |archivedate=2009-02-23}}</ref>
When it began, eHarmony did not offer [[Same-sex relationship|same-sex]] matches; however from 2009 through 2019 the company provided service through a separate platform, Compatible Partners.<ref name=usatoday>Kornblum, Janet. "[https://www.usatoday.com/life/people/2005-05-18-eharmony_x.htm eHarmony: Heart and soul]", ''[[USA Today]]'', May 18, 2005</ref> Warren said that he had done extensive research on heterosexual marriage but did not know enough about homosexual relationships to do same-sex match-making, which he said "calls for some very careful thinking. Very careful research."<ref name=usatoday /> He also said that eHarmony promotes heterosexual marriage, adding that (at the time) same-sex marriage was illegal in most places, saying "We don't really want to participate in something that's illegal."<ref name=usatoday /> In another interview, Warren went into more detail on his own views, noting that "cities like San Francisco, Chicago or New York... they could shut [eHarmony] down so fast. We don't want to make enemies out of them. But at the same time, I take a real strong stand against same-sex marriage, anywhere that I can comment on it."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.family.org/married/youngcouples/a0021741.cfm|title=Interview with Neil Clark Warren|publisher=Focus on the Family|access-date=March 3, 2004|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040225142236/http://www.family.org/married/youngcouples/a0021741.cfm|archive-date=February 25, 2004}}</ref>


eHarmony's lack of same-sex matching options prompted [[lawsuit]]s claiming that eHarmony violated laws prohibiting discrimination on the basis of [[sexual orientation]].<ref>{{cite news |first=Bob |last=Egelko |url=http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2007/06/01/BAGNSQ63EQ6.DTL |title=EHarmony sued for excluding same-sex matches |publisher=The San Francisco Chronicle |date=June 1, 2007}}</ref> As part of the settlement of a New Jersey case,<ref name=foxnews>Miller, Joshua Rhett. [https://www.foxnews.com/story/eharmony-to-provide-gay-dating-service-after-lawsuit "eHarmony to Provide Gay Dating Service after Lawsuit"], ''Fox News'', November 20, 2008</ref> eHarmony launched a partner website called Compatible Partners providing match-making "for men and women looking for a serious same-sex relationship".<ref>{{Cite web|title = How to surf the Web for a mate: eHarmony founder |url = https://www.cnbc.com/2015/05/08/how-to-surf-the-web-for-a-mate-eharmony-founder.html|website = CNBC|date = May 9, 2015|access-date = September 17, 2015}}</ref> [[Theodore B. Olson]], an attorney for eHarmony, said that even though the company believed the complaint was "an unfair characterization of our business", it chose to settle because of the unpredictable nature of litigation.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna27821393 |title=eHarmony agrees to provide same-sex matches |work=NBC News |date=November 20, 2008 |access-date=November 1, 2013}}</ref> In 2010, eHarmony settled a separate class-action lawsuit filed in California that alleged illegal discrimination based on sexual orientation. The company agreed to allow access to both its gay and straight dating sites with a single subscription, to display its gay [[dating services]] more prominently and to establish a settlement fund to pay people who can show they were harmed by the company's policies.<ref>{{cite news|author=Rachel Gordon |url=https://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/article/EHarmony-settles-lawsuit-over-gay-matchmaking-3274826.php |title=EHarmony settles lawsuit over gay matchmaking |publisher=San Francisco Chronicle |date= January 27, 2010|access-date=September 3, 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|agency=Associated Press |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/eharmony-settles-gay-discrimination-suit/ |title=eHarmony Settles Gay Discrimination Suit |work=CBS News |date= January 27, 2010|access-date=September 3, 2010}}</ref>
Various problems relating to the matching mechanism have been expressed, including the inability to filter matches by user-defined criteria, the fact that the matches are entirely generated by eHarmony, and not by browsing and choosing on the part of the user, and the inability to discern if a given match is an active, paying user.<ref>[http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=4803877 NPR/ Fresh Air Interview (ibid)] Lists 8.3 million total applicants vs: over 1 million applicants being rejected.</ref>


{{as of|2013}}, about 200,000 people had registered with Compatible Partners.<ref name="advocate.com">{{cite web|last=Garcia |first=Michelle |url=http://www.advocate.com/politics/commentary/2010/03/31/online-dating-game |title=The Online Dating Game |publisher=Advocate.com |date=March 31, 2010 |access-date=November 1, 2013}}</ref> Michelle Garcia, writing in the [[LGBT]]-interest magazine ''[[The Advocate (LGBT magazine)|The Advocate]]'', also said that, like eHarmony, Compatible Partners attracts high-quality customers. According to Garcia, "Because of the price tag and the emphasis on long-term relationships... Compatible Partners' users are seen as quite desirable."<ref name="advocate.com" />
Steve Carter, PhD. also published an [http://www.psychologicalscience.org/observer/getArticle.cfm?id=1726 article in the APS Observer] (The newsletter of the APS), which was [http://www.psychologicalscience.org/observer/getArticle.cfm?id=1750 criticised by APS readers] as an advertisement for the service, without any scientific merit. Other readers pointed out that eHarmony has never published data on how many of their matches do not result in satisfactory marriages, which makes it difficult to evaluate the service's relative value.


In 2021, eHarmony released an advertisement that included a same-sex couple, emphasizing the platform's diverse user base.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Avery |first1=Dan |title=eHarmony's new inclusive ads are enraging some on the right |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/feature/nbc-out/eharmony-s-new-inclusive-ads-are-enraging-some-right-n1257175 |website=NBC News |access-date=26 October 2023 |language=en |date=10 February 2021}}</ref> Certain conservative groups expressed criticism that the platform deviated from its Christian roots.<ref>{{cite web |title=eHarmony Receives Applause and Backlash for More Inclusive Ad Campaign - Dating Sites Reviews |url=https://www.datingsitesreviews.com/article.php?story=eharmony-receives-applause-and-backlash-for-more-inclusive-ad-campaign |website=www.datingsitesreviews.com |access-date=26 October 2023}}</ref>
Another concern is that after answering a 258 question profile, some would-be customers are rejected without explanation. Known reasons for rejection are because the user is already married, is older than 60 and has been married more than four times, is under the minimum age of 18, provides inconsistent answers in the profile or fails its "[[dysthymia]] scale."<ref>{{Cite web |first=Paul |last=Farhi |url=http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/05/12/AR2007051201350.html?hpid=topnews |title=They Met Online, but Definitely Didn't Click |publisher=The Washington Post |date=2007-05-13 |pages=D01 |accessdate=2007-05-13}}</ref>


=== Matching paying members with non-paying members ===
eHarmony has been criticized for not publishing their customer support phone number on their website.<ref name="caffairslog"/>
After approval by the questionnaire, eHarmony begins to match members regardless of their subscription status. A member's list of matches does not indicate which members are paying or non-paying, so users may not be able to communicate with all of their matches.<ref>[http://www.blacktable.com/keller040811.htm eHarmony? More like tone deaf] 08.11.04 Joel Keller blacktable.com</ref>

=== Explaining success ===
A 2010 article published by the [[Harvard Business Review]] attributed the success of eHarmony's system to their large membership base, their efforts to exclude people who are not serious about dating, and their membership fees being more expensive than the fees for other dating websites. The author hypothesizes that, since eHarmony's questionnaire and high cost of membership deter people who are interested in casual dating, eHarmony's members are more likely to be interested in a long-term relationship.<ref>{{cite journal|last1=Halaburda|first1=Hanna|title=Fewer Customers, but the Right Ones|url=https://hbr.org/2010/10/fewer-customers-but-the-right|journal=Harvard Business Review|access-date=January 8, 2018|date=October 15, 2010}}</ref>

⚫
=== Criticism over claims ===
A 2012 analysis of dating websites by [[Scientific American]] stated that eHarmony, along with other algorithm-based dating sites, had not yet provided members of the scientific community with information about their matching algorithm which could be used to vet their claims about their algorithms being scientifically based.<ref name="SA" />

In 2014, eHarmony was criticized by the National Advertising Division of the [[Better Business Bureau]] over claims the company had made about their rates of success. This occurred after Match.com challenged claims made by eHarmony about the two companies' relative success.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Gelles|first1=Jeff|title=Dating site dinged for exaggerating claims of success|url=http://www.philly.com/philly/business/consumer_news/20140817_Dating_site_dinged_for_exaggerating_claims_of_success.html|access-date=January 3, 2018|work=The Philadelphia Inquirer|date=August 17, 2014}}</ref>

In 2018, the [[Advertising Standards Authority (United Kingdom)|Advertising Standards Authority]] stated that an eHarmony ad which included the lines, "It's time science had a go at love", and "Imagine being able to stack the odds of finding lasting love entirely in your favor", was misleading. When the ASA asked for evidence supporting eHarmony's claims that their scientifically proven matching system increases the odds of finding love, eHarmony was not able to provide any.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Wakefield|first1=Jane|title=Dating website eHarmony's 'scientific' match ad banned|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-42546586|access-date=January 4, 2018|work=BBC News|date=January 3, 2018}}</ref> The ASA subsequently banned advertisements that claimed the use of a scientifically proven matching system. eHarmony publicly disagreed with the ASA but said it would work with them to clarify its advertising.<ref>Siddique, Haroon. (January 3, 2018). "[https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2018/jan/03/watchdog-bans-adverts-claim-eharmony-is-scientifically-proven Watchdog bans advert's claim eHarmony is 'scientifically proven']", ''[[The Guardian]]'', Guardian Media Group, London, UK. Retrieved February 8, 2019.</ref>

===Complaints over subscription practices===
In September 2023, the [[Australian Competition & Consumer Commission]] (ACCC) launched court action against eHarmony over allegations of misleading content and hundreds of customer complaints about the company's auto-subscription practices. Customers who have signed up to the service have had their accounts debited without their consent as part of a default auto-renewable subscription that is difficult to cancel. The ACCC referred to this as a "subscription trap" that it alleges has been in place since at least 2019.<ref>{{cite web|title=ACCC court action against eHarmony for alleged misleading online dating membership statements|url=https://www.accc.gov.au/media-release/accc-court-action-against-eharmony-for-alleged-misleading-online-dating-membership-statements|website=[[Australian Competition & Consumer Commission]]|date=September 7, 2023|access-date=December 2, 2023}}</ref><ref>[https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-09-07/eharmony-sued-by-accc-in-federal-court/102825988 Dating site eHarmony sued over alleged subscription trap and other 'misleading' statements] ''[[ABC News (Australia)|ABC News]]'' September 7, 2023</ref>


==See also==
==See also==
*[[List of online dating websites]]
*[[Comparison of online dating websites]]


==References and footnotes==
==References==
{{Reflist|1}}
{{Reflist}}


==External links==
== External links ==
*[http://www.eharmony.com/ The official eHarmony Homepage]
*{{Official website|http://www.eharmony.com/}}
*[http://www.eharmonylabs.com/ eHarmony Labs Homepage]
*[http://v3.espacenet.com/publicationDetails/biblio?adjacent=true&KC=B1&date=20040511&NR=6735568B1&DB=EPODOC&locale=en_EP&CC=US&FT=D eHarmony Patent: U.S. Pat. No. 6,735,568]
*[http://marriage.eharmony.com/ eHarmony's Marriage Counseling Services]
*[http://www.cnbc.com/id/15840232?video=1032728087&play=1 Love in Tough Economic Times] Wall Street Journal Report with Maria Bartiromo. Video file.
*[http://edition.cnn.com/video/?/video/business/2008/07/13/lake.boardroom.waldorf.cnn eHarmony CEO Talks Marriage] CNN's The Boardroom. Video file.
*[http://online.wsj.com/article/SB117107377194904435.html The Wall Street Journal's Weekend Interview: The Matchmaker] Wall Street Journal.
*[http://money.cnn.com/2007/09/14/magazines/fortune/fastforward_eharmony.fortune/index.htm David Kirkpatrick Fast Forward: eHarmony Does What Tech Ought to Do] Fortune Magazine.
*[http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123540887289649209.html Ditching a Successful Ad Campaign] Wall Street Journal.
*[http://www.economist.com/business/displaystory.cfm?story_id=13381506&CFID=49623815&CFTOKEN=42304524 Online Dating Prospers in the Recession] The Economist.
*[http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/technology/7651293.stm eHarmony Launches in the U.K.] BBC News.
*[http://www.reuters.com/article/oddlyEnoughNews/idUSTRE4967YO20081007 Brits Value Sex and In-Laws] Reuters.
*[http://business.timesonline.co.uk/tol/business/industry_sectors/technology/article4887501.ece Matchmaking Through Science]. The Times.


[[Category:Online dating]]
[[Category:Online dating services of the United States]]
[[Category:Companies established in 2000]]
[[Category:American companies established in 2000]]
[[Category:Internet properties established in 2000]]
[[Category:Companies based in Los Angeles County, California]]
[[Category:Companies based in Los Angeles County, California]]
[[Category:2000 establishments in the United States]]

Latest revision as of 12:11, 16 November 2024

eharmony.com
Type of businessPrivate
FoundedAugust 22, 2000; 24 years ago (2000-08-22)
Pasadena, California, U.S.
HeadquartersLos Angeles, California, U.S.
Key peopleNeil Clark Warren (Founder)
Greg Forgatch (Founder)
ParentParshipMeet Group (ProSiebenSat.1 Media 55% and General Atlantic 45%)
URLwww.eharmony.com
LaunchedAugust 22, 2000; 24 years ago (2000-08-22)
Previous eHarmony headquarters in the OneWest Bank building in downtown Pasadena, California

eHarmony is an online dating website launched in 2000. eHarmony is based in Los Angeles, California, and owned by ParshipMeet Group, a joint venture of German mass media company ProSiebenSat.1 Media and American private equity firm General Atlantic.

History

[edit]
eHarmony's original logo, used until August 20, 2017
eHarmony logo, used from 2017 to 2023

eHarmony was founded by Neil Clark Warren, a clinical psychologist, with his son-in-law, Greg Forgatch.[1][2] Warren and Forgatch created Neil Clark Warren & Associates, a seminar company, in 1995.[2] The company eventually became the dating website eHarmony.[2] During its initial four years, the website was developed by TechEmpower.[3]

The service was financed with a $3 million investment from Fayez Sarofim & Co. and individual investors.[4] eHarmony was launched in 2000, making it the first algorithm-based dating site.[4][5] Between 2000 and 2010, about 33 million members used the service.[6] As of 2008, about 15,000 people were taking the eHarmony questionnaire each day.[7] Harris Interactive said in 2010 that after finding a match on eHarmony, an average of 542 eHarmony members in the United States marry every day.[8]

eHarmony has been profitable since 2004.[9] In 2009, eHarmony's cumulative revenue exceeded $1.0 billion while their annual revenue was about $250 million.[10][9] As of 2012, eHarmony had 14 percent of the U.S. dating-services market.[11]

In July 2012, Neil Clark Warren came out of retirement to become chief executive officer. Warren closed unprofitable international operations, switched advertisers, made changes to the board,[12] and bought back stock from Sequoia Capital and Technology Crossover Ventures.[11] eHarmony featured in the 2013 film The Secret Life of Walter Mitty, where the namesake protagonist speaks to a personal counselor at the company.[13] In 2017, it was reported that eHarmony had about 750,000 paid subscribers and 10 million active users, which was about the same as it had been in 2012.[14] Warren left the company again in July 2016.[2]

In 2016, eHarmony announced their questionnaire would now be optional for users.[15] By 2017, the questionnaire consisted of 150 questions, down from 450 questions.[16]

In 2018, German mass media company ProSiebenSat.1 Media purchased eHarmony via their Nucom ecommerce division (a joint venture of ProSiebenSat and private equity firm General Atlantic).[17]

In 2020, the parent company ParshipMeet Group was formed to manage eHarmony, Parship and The Meet Group, after the acquisition of The Meet Group by ProSiebenSat.1 Media.[18][19]

Methodology

[edit]

Prospective members complete a proprietary questionnaire about their characteristics, beliefs, values, emotional health and skills. Matching algorithms, which the company believes match people's core traits and values to replicate the traits of happy couples, use these answers to match members with users the company believes will be compatible.[20] The software technology also evaluates users' behavioral data such as average time spent on the site.[21]

Buckwalter says that the compatibility system rests a lot on commonality, for their belief is that "Opposites attract, then they attack."[22]

Starting in January 2017, eHarmony users could see why they are considered compatible with a feature called "The Two Of You Together". They will be able to see the matches who score at an advanced level of compatibility and also why.[23]

Reception and analysis

[edit]

Applicant rejection

[edit]

It is estimated that about 20% of eHarmony applicants are rejected.[24] In 2007, eHarmony stated since the site's launch, they had rejected about a million people who applied to use the service. They reported that about 30% of those applicants were denied because they were already married, 27% were younger than the minimum application age of 21, and 9% provided inconsistent answers on the application. eHarmony also stated they reject anyone under the age of 60 who has been married more than four times, or who fails their "dysthymia scale", testing as having a depressed disposition.[25]

Same-sex couples

[edit]

When it began, eHarmony did not offer same-sex matches; however from 2009 through 2019 the company provided service through a separate platform, Compatible Partners.[26] Warren said that he had done extensive research on heterosexual marriage but did not know enough about homosexual relationships to do same-sex match-making, which he said "calls for some very careful thinking. Very careful research."[26] He also said that eHarmony promotes heterosexual marriage, adding that (at the time) same-sex marriage was illegal in most places, saying "We don't really want to participate in something that's illegal."[26] In another interview, Warren went into more detail on his own views, noting that "cities like San Francisco, Chicago or New York... they could shut [eHarmony] down so fast. We don't want to make enemies out of them. But at the same time, I take a real strong stand against same-sex marriage, anywhere that I can comment on it."[27]

eHarmony's lack of same-sex matching options prompted lawsuits claiming that eHarmony violated laws prohibiting discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation.[28] As part of the settlement of a New Jersey case,[29] eHarmony launched a partner website called Compatible Partners providing match-making "for men and women looking for a serious same-sex relationship".[30] Theodore B. Olson, an attorney for eHarmony, said that even though the company believed the complaint was "an unfair characterization of our business", it chose to settle because of the unpredictable nature of litigation.[31] In 2010, eHarmony settled a separate class-action lawsuit filed in California that alleged illegal discrimination based on sexual orientation. The company agreed to allow access to both its gay and straight dating sites with a single subscription, to display its gay dating services more prominently and to establish a settlement fund to pay people who can show they were harmed by the company's policies.[32][33]

As of 2013, about 200,000 people had registered with Compatible Partners.[34] Michelle Garcia, writing in the LGBT-interest magazine The Advocate, also said that, like eHarmony, Compatible Partners attracts high-quality customers. According to Garcia, "Because of the price tag and the emphasis on long-term relationships... Compatible Partners' users are seen as quite desirable."[34]

In 2021, eHarmony released an advertisement that included a same-sex couple, emphasizing the platform's diverse user base.[35] Certain conservative groups expressed criticism that the platform deviated from its Christian roots.[36]

Matching paying members with non-paying members

[edit]

After approval by the questionnaire, eHarmony begins to match members regardless of their subscription status. A member's list of matches does not indicate which members are paying or non-paying, so users may not be able to communicate with all of their matches.[37]

Explaining success

[edit]

A 2010 article published by the Harvard Business Review attributed the success of eHarmony's system to their large membership base, their efforts to exclude people who are not serious about dating, and their membership fees being more expensive than the fees for other dating websites. The author hypothesizes that, since eHarmony's questionnaire and high cost of membership deter people who are interested in casual dating, eHarmony's members are more likely to be interested in a long-term relationship.[38]

Criticism over claims

[edit]

A 2012 analysis of dating websites by Scientific American stated that eHarmony, along with other algorithm-based dating sites, had not yet provided members of the scientific community with information about their matching algorithm which could be used to vet their claims about their algorithms being scientifically based.[5]

In 2014, eHarmony was criticized by the National Advertising Division of the Better Business Bureau over claims the company had made about their rates of success. This occurred after Match.com challenged claims made by eHarmony about the two companies' relative success.[39]

In 2018, the Advertising Standards Authority stated that an eHarmony ad which included the lines, "It's time science had a go at love", and "Imagine being able to stack the odds of finding lasting love entirely in your favor", was misleading. When the ASA asked for evidence supporting eHarmony's claims that their scientifically proven matching system increases the odds of finding love, eHarmony was not able to provide any.[40] The ASA subsequently banned advertisements that claimed the use of a scientifically proven matching system. eHarmony publicly disagreed with the ASA but said it would work with them to clarify its advertising.[41]

Complaints over subscription practices

[edit]

In September 2023, the Australian Competition & Consumer Commission (ACCC) launched court action against eHarmony over allegations of misleading content and hundreds of customer complaints about the company's auto-subscription practices. Customers who have signed up to the service have had their accounts debited without their consent as part of a default auto-renewable subscription that is difficult to cancel. The ACCC referred to this as a "subscription trap" that it alleges has been in place since at least 2019.[42][43]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "eHarmony's new inclusive ads are enraging some on the right". NBC News. February 10, 2021. Retrieved December 4, 2021.
  2. ^ a b c d Utermohlen, Karl (July 26, 2016). "eHarmony Founder Neil Clark Warren Steps Down as CEO". InvestorPlace. Retrieved January 3, 2018.
  3. ^ "TechEmpower". www.techempower.com. Retrieved June 1, 2020.
  4. ^ a b "History of eHarmony". Online Dating Magazine. September 16, 2008.
  5. ^ a b Eli J. Finkel, Susan Sprecher (May 8, 2012). "The Scientific Flaws of Online Dating Sites". Scientific American. Retrieved January 8, 2018.
  6. ^ Vega, Tanzina (August 15, 2010). "Dating Site Marks 10 Years With Ad Campaign". The New York Times. Retrieved November 1, 2013.
  7. ^ Kirkpatrick, David (September 14, 2007). "eHarmony does what tech ought to do". CNN. Retrieved April 3, 2010.
  8. ^ "eHarmony Celebrates 10 Years of Online Relationships | Fox Business Video". Video.foxbusiness.com. August 30, 2010. Retrieved November 1, 2013.
  9. ^ a b Clark, Andrew (August 24, 2010). "Dating site eHarmony aims to dominate British market". The Guardian. Retrieved January 5, 2018.
  10. ^ Geron, Tomio (July 12, 2010). "The $100M Revenue Club: EHarmony Captures the Hearts of VCs". The Wall Street Journal's Venture Capital Dispatch.
  11. ^ a b "eHarmony founder breaks up with investors in company reboot". Delawareonline.com. Archived from the original on November 4, 2013. Retrieved November 1, 2013.
  12. ^ "EHarmony founder has his heart set on reviving the dating site". Los Angeles Times. December 13, 2012. Retrieved November 1, 2013.
  13. ^ "EHarmony Launches Service Modeled After 'Walter Mitty' Plotline". The Hollywood Reporter. December 11, 2013. Archived from the original on December 15, 2013. Retrieved March 21, 2021.
  14. ^ Weller, Chris (February 18, 2017). "eHarmony is gearing up for a battle to win back millennials from Tinder and Bumble". Business Insider. Retrieved January 5, 2018.
  15. ^ Crook, Jordan (December 15, 2016). "eHarmony makes its questionnaire optional to get hip with the times". TechCrunch. Retrieved January 3, 2018.
  16. ^ Marinova, Polina (February 14, 2017). "How Dating Site eHarmony Uses Machine Learning to Help You Find Love". Retrieved January 3, 2018.
  17. ^ "Germany's ProSieben buys U.S. online dating site eharmony". Reuters Business News. October 29, 2018. Retrieved April 29, 2019.
  18. ^ Nicola, Stefan (March 5, 2020). "ProSieben to Buy Dating Firm Meet Group in Tough TV Market". Bloomberg News.
  19. ^ "The Meet Group Announces Closing of Acquisition by eharmony Parent Company Parship Group" (Press release). Business Wire. September 4, 2020.
  20. ^ Georgina Prodhan (October 7, 2008). "Brits value sex and in-laws, Web dating company finds". Reuters. Retrieved May 4, 2010.
  21. ^ Jessica Shambora (September 23, 2010). "eHarmony's algorithm of love". Fortune. Retrieved February 5, 2011.
  22. ^ Canning, Andrea (February 13, 2008). "A Look Inside the eHarmony Love Lab". ABC News. Retrieved November 1, 2013.
  23. ^ "eHarmony's New CEO Grant Langston Shares His New Vision". OnlinePersonalsWatch.com. December 23, 2016. Retrieved December 26, 2016.
  24. ^ Miller, Lisa (April 26, 2008). "Belief Watch: eHarmony's Algorithm for Mr. Right". Newsweek. Retrieved January 8, 2018.
  25. ^ Farhi, Paul (May 13, 2007). "They Met Online, but Definitely Didn't Click". The Washington Post. pp. D01. Retrieved May 13, 2007.
  26. ^ a b c Kornblum, Janet. "eHarmony: Heart and soul", USA Today, May 18, 2005
  27. ^ "Interview with Neil Clark Warren". Focus on the Family. Archived from the original on February 25, 2004. Retrieved March 3, 2004.
  28. ^ Egelko, Bob (June 1, 2007). "EHarmony sued for excluding same-sex matches". The San Francisco Chronicle.
  29. ^ Miller, Joshua Rhett. "eHarmony to Provide Gay Dating Service after Lawsuit", Fox News, November 20, 2008
  30. ^ "How to surf the Web for a mate: eHarmony founder". CNBC. May 9, 2015. Retrieved September 17, 2015.
  31. ^ "eHarmony agrees to provide same-sex matches". NBC News. November 20, 2008. Retrieved November 1, 2013.
  32. ^ Rachel Gordon (January 27, 2010). "EHarmony settles lawsuit over gay matchmaking". San Francisco Chronicle. Retrieved September 3, 2010.
  33. ^ "eHarmony Settles Gay Discrimination Suit". CBS News. Associated Press. January 27, 2010. Retrieved September 3, 2010.
  34. ^ a b Garcia, Michelle (March 31, 2010). "The Online Dating Game". Advocate.com. Retrieved November 1, 2013.
  35. ^ Avery, Dan (February 10, 2021). "eHarmony's new inclusive ads are enraging some on the right". NBC News. Retrieved October 26, 2023.
  36. ^ "eHarmony Receives Applause and Backlash for More Inclusive Ad Campaign - Dating Sites Reviews". www.datingsitesreviews.com. Retrieved October 26, 2023.
  37. ^ eHarmony? More like tone deaf 08.11.04 Joel Keller blacktable.com
  38. ^ Halaburda, Hanna (October 15, 2010). "Fewer Customers, but the Right Ones". Harvard Business Review. Retrieved January 8, 2018.
  39. ^ Gelles, Jeff (August 17, 2014). "Dating site dinged for exaggerating claims of success". The Philadelphia Inquirer. Retrieved January 3, 2018.
  40. ^ Wakefield, Jane (January 3, 2018). "Dating website eHarmony's 'scientific' match ad banned". BBC News. Retrieved January 4, 2018.
  41. ^ Siddique, Haroon. (January 3, 2018). "Watchdog bans advert's claim eHarmony is 'scientifically proven'", The Guardian, Guardian Media Group, London, UK. Retrieved February 8, 2019.
  42. ^ "ACCC court action against eHarmony for alleged misleading online dating membership statements". Australian Competition & Consumer Commission. September 7, 2023. Retrieved December 2, 2023.
  43. ^ Dating site eHarmony sued over alleged subscription trap and other 'misleading' statements ABC News September 7, 2023
[edit]
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