These days, we aren’t simply conducting business through our phones. It has become our connection with the world. We use it to communicate with our friends, family and even to find and build new relationships.
What used to be taboo is now the norm as online dating has become as simple as downloading an app. But do dating apps work? As we compare today’s dating scene with that of the past, it can be disheartening.
Some even claim that romance is dead thanks to the prevalence of online dating and new opportunities being a swipe away. Always curious about the potential of technology improving our lives, we decided to explore the avenue of online dating to see if today’s virtual opportunities are really worth pursuing.
A Virtual Connection: Do Dating Apps Work?
Eager for answers, we started our investigation with a search for statistics and facts. How many relationships blossom from these virtual connections? The truth may surprise you:
- 4% of US Marriages Today Start on eHarmony (Dating Advice)
- 49 Million People Have Given Online Dating a Shot (Dating Advice)
- 66% of Dating Sites and App Users Have Gone on a Date with Someone They Met Through These Avenues (Pew Research)
- Online Dating Has Been Known to Create Stronger Relationships and Marriages (Forbes)
The truth is that online dating is a vehicle for introducing people. What happens afterward? Well, that’s really up to you and the other person.
People sign up for dating apps to meet other people. In turn, those apps use algorithms to link you to people in your area who are similar to you in one or more ways.
Of course, there are other means of meeting people, from speed dating events to even phone chat services like those featured on the Chatline Guide. But, what makes dating apps so popular is that you don’t have the intimidating requirement of meeting in person or talking directly to a stranger.
How Dating Apps Work
For those who aren’t familiar with dating apps, they are pretty simple to use. It starts with filling out a profile. Once that task is complete, you can begin browsing people in your area.
Profiles give you the opportunity to get to know a little about each person before you even meet him or her. Through strategic sections and questions, these profiles give you a taste of the individual, including likes and dislikes, what kind of relationship they’re looking for, and what they do for a living.
It’s a great way to screen your options instead of finding out on the first date you aren’t compatible. If you’re not interested, there’s no pressure. You simply move on to a new profile.
But, if you are interested, you can start by sending that person a message. This provides a safe venue for you to get to know someone before going out on a date.
This method of connecting with others forces you to engage in conversation, even if it’s in a digital forum. Because of this, people often get to know each other fairly well before they ever meet face-to-face. It’s a great opportunity to form a connection long before physical temptation becomes part of the equation.
Tips for Succeeding on a Dating App
But what if you aren’t having any luck finding a date through these apps? If you’ve put yourself out there but haven’t gotten any bites, don’t despair. It may be you simply need to change your strategy.
Below is a step-by-step guide to help you optimize your dating profile and your odds!
1. Choose a Quality Photo
Just like you wouldn’t show up to a first date poorly groomed and dressed, you don’t want to present yourself with a bad photo or worse–no photo. Instead, take your time choosing a genuine, high-quality profile picture.
Avoid any photos with you and an old flame. This gives off the impression that you aren’t truly available.
Also, try to choose a photo that gives a clear representation of your face. You don’t have to be revealing, just honest. A professional portrait shot or a nice close-up works great.
If you can add secondary photos, include a full body shot as well. You want to put your best image forward without being misleading. This means you should avoid photos that portray how you used to look, but not what you look like now.
Honesty will prevent any false expectations and help you start out your new connections on the right foot.
2. Take Your Time Filling Out Your Bio Information
Next, you want to give your potential suitors plenty of information about yourself. Don’t be a mystery man or woman. Give them a good idea of who you are and what you are interested in.
Tinder Executive Rosette Pambakian stated that men are 98% less likely to receive any matches on their app if they leave their bio blank. Don’t be that person. Fill out every section available on your profile.
Make sure you’re genuine. Skip the pickup lines or advertising copy. You’re a human, not a product.
Share what makes you tick and paint a picture of yourself through your words. The more you share, the easier it is for compatible matches to find you.
3. Be Open to Your Options
Don’t be picky. There are a lot of fish in the sea. Some of them you may not even realize are your type until you get to know them.
If you connect with someone, be open-minded. Give them a chance and get to know them. You may be surprised to find he or she was the missing piece you never knew you were searching for.
4. Don’t Wait for Opportunities to Come to You
Dating apps are a way to ease the intimidating aspects of meeting new people through some measure of anonymity. Use this opportunity to be brave. Be the first to initiate contact with someone you find interesting.
Even if you end up not dating that person, you may find he or she becomes a close friend. Ultimately, the old saying, “you lose every shot you don’t take” rings true in the arena of dating.
Discover Today’s Leading Dating Apps
Now that we’ve brought a resounding “Yes!” to the question, “Do dating apps work?” it’s time to put yourself out there. Your special someone may be a click or swipe away, but the only way you’ll find him or her is by giving the online dating world a shot.
Start by downloading one or more of today’s leading dating apps. You can pick from our Top 5 List. It details everything you need to know about each so you can opt into the app that suits you best.
Happy dating!
