The first, and most obvious reason, is the aforementioned anonymity offered by the internet. Without having to meet people in person, those interested in finding date hookups only can reduce their search to internet sites. Many people are also relatively veiled about their casual sexual encounters, and are able to feel more anonymous in places where they are less likely to be seen by friends and family.
The ease of meeting people for specific purposes also makes finding partners for hookups and dates relatively easy. Certain services are created to facilitate these types of meetings in particular, which brings people looking for the same types of relationship into one area, rather than having to find and meet similar people in 'real', offline life. Likewise, the format of many online dating services, that outline the relationship desires of each person, makes it just as easy to find people looking for long term relationships and marriage. Ultimately, the industry of online dating, and all the services included within it, creates a melting pot of people looking for many different types of relationships. But, by allowing people to find those interested in the same things, the internet can be used as the perfect tool to narrow down the search and make the search for an ideal partner, whether for marriage of a hookup, all the more quick and easy.
