DSS System Overview

Match.com's DSS acquires knowledge through you, the date-seeker and uses this knowledge in a variety of ways. First of all, it records your input of information such as location, interests, height, age, sexual persuasion and marital status into the database for others to access through their searches.

Second, the information you provide to Match.com also is used for advertising purposes. Advertisers can easily identify what your interests are and send you announcements and "deals of interest" accordingly. There is nothing more valuable to an advertiser than to understand their audience and their desires.

Lastly, the information collected is used to tailor the actual Match.com web page displayed to your personality and preferences. For example, on the first screen, there is an input box to enter your zip code. Once you have done that, your page immediately changes and becomes a whole list of individuals only in your area complete with pictures and the last time they have logged on to the Match.com system.