“I can remember talking to twentysomethings and they would just laugh at me and say, ‘I hope that I never have to use online dating. I have a lot of friends and a social life,’” Langston said.

If only it were that simple today, especially for Langston, the new CEO of eHarmony. Founded in 1997 by psychologist Neil Clark Warren, the Los Angeles company was a pioneer in using the Internet to match potential couples. Over time, eHarmony was primarily known for older people willing to endure long surveys and an arduous process of “guided communications” to find love.

But online dating has exploded in recent years, especially among younger people. About 15 percent of U.S. adults reported using an online dating service this year, compared with 11 percent three years ago, according to a report by the Pew Center. Among those 18 to 24 years old, 22 percent said they used free mobile apps like Tinder, a fourfold jump from 2013.

“I don’t think we have any interest in the person who just wants to pick up someone,” Langston said during a recent visit to The Chronicle. “We like the DNA of the company. We’ve been a premium offering from the day we started. We have done a lot of work to build expertise that has value. We’re here for a reason.”

Since most people get married in their late 20s or early 30s, Langston wants to at least get eHarmony into the minds of Tinder uses so they are willing to try it once they are ready to settle down, he said

“But there are people using Tinder today who are not looking for a hookup, that want a serious relationship,” he said.