In a departure from the traditional avenues of online dating, one man in the United States has embraced a unique approach to finding love: Facebook ads. According to a report from the New York Post, a 33-year-old software engineer based in New York City has placed a personal dating ad on Facebook Marketplace in hopes of connecting with a potential match.
The ad, featuring the man named Michael posing in a blazer and rimless glasses, candidly acknowledges the unconventional method with a touch of self-deprecation: “This is a personal dating ad! How embarrassing for me! But also (I hope) intriguing?” Among the listings for bicycles and espresso machines, users scrolling through Facebook Marketplace might stumble upon an invitation to “Date Michael.”
Interested candidates are directed to a Google Form where they can learn more about Michael. In his own words, he describes himself as “kind, happy, curious, creative, and a major nerd,” with his aunt vouching for him as “quite a catch.” Michael’s search is grounded in a desire for a serious relationship with someone who resides within the reach of the NYC subway network.
When it comes to his political views, Michael identifies as liberal/left-leaning but emphasizes that politics don’t dominate his personality: “I like talking about politics but I haven’t made it my whole personality.”
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Notably, Facebook parent company Meta offers a range of pricing options for classified ads on its platform, charging anywhere from $5 to $50,000 a week. The introduction of Facebook Marketplace in 2016 marked the company’s expansion into e-commerce, providing users with a convenient space to buy and sell items within their communities.
Meta’s vision for Marketplace, as outlined in a blog post from 2016, emphasizes facilitating connections between people beyond just transactions: “Facebook is where people connect, and in recent years more people have been using Facebook to connect in another way: buying and selling with each other. To help people make more of these connections, today we’re introducing Marketplace, a convenient destination to discover, buy and sell items with people in your community.”
As Michael’s unconventional quest for love demonstrates, Facebook Marketplace has evolved into a platform where connections of all kinds can be made, including the pursuit of romantic relationships.
