The IM feature helps to make the personals site even more personal, the company said, since now members can see who's online when they are, and strike up a conversation.
"We already have over 17 million members, but a good site has to help them connect," SexSearch.com Director of Marketing Ross Horwitz said. "An instant messenger just makes good sense. When it comes to meeting someone, timing is key.
"The instant messenger takes away all the hurdles of sending and waiting for emails and let's you hook up immediately with the people who are online at the same time as you," he said.
The messenger boasts several additional features to enrich the user's experience, including games, emoticons, a virtual kiss and a virtual smack when another user gets too fresh, the company said.
"We want our members to succeed on SexSearch.com and we are always looking for ways to improve the user experience," Horowitz said. "The new instant messenger is a great way to break the ice."
