Virtual dating takes off in Hong Kong

Veron is one of the six virtual girlfriends CSL mobile subscribers can choose from

By CNN's Kristie Lu Stout

HONG KONG, China (CNN) -- The new I-DATE U service gives the lonely and the wireless the chance to pursue their very own virtual playmates.

CSL, a division of Pacific Century Cyberworks (PCCW), is proudly peddling its latest "killer application" -- the I-DATE U service, which lets mobile phone subscribers woo virtual girlfriends for only $5 a month.

So far, over half a million short messages have been exchanged over the mobile dating service.

One eager subscriber clocks in nine hours each night with his virtual friend. CSL attributes such success to its ability to meet customer needs.

"Dating and gaming are essential components of translating tech into entertainment and these types of entertainment are very relevant to our customers," says CSL's marketing director Marissa Kwok.

"The fact they can enjoy it through their mobile phones is an added advantage."

Subscribers send phone text messages

I-DATE U subscribers pursue their mobile playthings via phone text messages.

You gain points by giving gifts. You lose points if you miss dates -- much like in real life. And watch out for those competing Casanovas.

One feature, the Lovers Enemies Chart, can show the list of competitors also going after your virtual date.

There are four virtual girlfriends to choose from: Alice the supermodel, Veron the stylist, Angel the nurse, and Ron the schoolgirl.

The CSL Web site also displays the playmates' vital statistics. For example, model student Ron, whose wink and pout can put Marilyn Monroe to shame, has a bust size of 32.

Social Workers at Against Child Abuse are not amused. They are accusing the use of the schoolgirl character of much more than bad taste.

The non-profit group says CSL's use of the virtual schoolgirl subtly promotes pedophilia, and urges companies to acquire a child's perspective when marketing a product and pay attention to the risks involved.

"Any image can stimulate a pedophile who already has pedophilic inclinations, but that kind of image of a young person, and suggestive outlook may add to it," says the group's director Priscilla Lui Tsang Sun-kai.

But CSL is steadfast in its belief that I-DATE U is 100 percent fun and frivolous fantasy.

Abuse, bad taste, or just plain fun, the fine line between the real and the virtual continues to blur, this time on our cell phones.

In Asia, cyber-porn pulls a crowd
March 13, 2001

Hong Kong CSL Limited

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