harvard-educated. and they match people up, applying statistical algorithms to their user profile. >> we can learn enough about you to make sure that the dates you go on are not going to be disasters. >> reporter: and it's helped make okcupid the second most popular internet dating destination, behind match.com. okcupid takes credit for starting 500,000 relationships every year. like ryan and cara. what's that first glance like? you've got that picture in your mind. you've seen the jpeg. >> i was happy. i thought he was hot. >> she was more beautiful in real life. i was like, what the hell did i get myself into? i can't handle this one. >> you've already got her. you don't have to -- >> yeah, no, i'm serious. >> reporter: others choose the site because of its openness. >> some of the other dating websites weren't always gay-friendly. okcupid always has been very gay-friendly. so obviously, of course, that's important too. >> reporter: you'll find no apologies for their approach. they say it's no more or less vapid than picking someone out at a bar based on how hot they are.