Quarter of those using dating apps in relationships

A quarter of Britain’s singles using the internet to find love are already in a relationship, according to a new survey.

The rise in smartphones is fuelling a boom in online dating

In 2014, 17.6 million Brits held the status of single at one time or another, according to LeadingDatingSites.co.uk. Of these singles, about 16 million regularly used online dating in the hopes of finding ‘the one’.

It is estimated that around a quarter of those (particularly men) who were actively seeking a partner were already in a relationship.

The indiscretions had a positive impact on the online dating market which saw a five per cent growth in 2014.

Following a period of weak economic activity, the market managed to make a complete turnover of £166.6 million last year.

As the number of those willing to pay for smartphone dating is significantly lower than that of PC and notebook users, operators turned their focus to developing services to remedy this.

The study also looked at the impact of the AdultFriendFinder and AshleyMadison data theft in 2015.

Despite the release of millions of personal users’ data, members of the public continued their online search for no-strings affairs unperturbed. The number of new sign ups in August was even higher than usual.

Henning Wiechers of LeadingDatingSites.co.uk said: “The hack has provided exciting headlines, but nevertheless the British infidelity continues to flourish.”