The credit crunch is spawning a new “staying in” culture as folks look for ways to cut back on spending without cutting down on being sociable and having fun. It is true that more folks are staying in, but they seem determined not to be miserable about it.

It would seem that despite being in the grip of a recession, nobody wants to give up the simple pleasures in life. As a result, one industry, which is not only thriving but also continuing to grow through the credit crunch is online dating. One prime example of this is the MakeFriendsOnline group of web properties whose expansion has continued unimpeded in recent months.