Owner of a Lonely Heart?

If you’re single and the words “there’s someone I’d like you to meet” fill you with dread, help may be closer than you think – the answer may be in your cell phone.

Nearly 40 million people worldwide are currently using mobile phone dating services, and a recent study by Juniper Research projects that figure will rise to 260 million in the next 5 years with users from Japan and India leading the way. Currently popular dating sites such as Match.com and Webdate are recognizing that customers are willing to pay a premium for mobile access. And new companies are building on the popularity of Facebook and other social networking applications – think Flirtomatic plus social mapping or location based services.

In 2003, a study on mobile dating found that users over 30 delivered 80% of revenue for mobile dating services and male users outnumbered female nearly over three to one. (So for ladies who are wondering where all the men are, look no further than your mobile phone – just don’t try it during the Redskins game.)

As the Wirefly team has previously reported, you may be judged by your cell phone usage so you’ll want to keep these tips in mind. And if you’re not ready to jump into the mobile dating waters, perhaps you could start with a Reactee to get a conversation going.