Most single people these days are on dating apps. But why? What are they searching for? Why do people use a specific dating app? Well, as the COVID-19 pandemic drove singles out of the bars, clubs, workplaces, and college campuses that formerly served as mating grounds for those who preferred a more traditional approach to finding love, dating apps quickly became the only option for those seeking to keep some semblance of a dating life alive amid the pandemic. In 2020, all dating became online dating.
But let’s forget the pandemic for now (well at least we can try ?), have you ever asked yourself what does online dating provides?
Online dating sites and apps provide users with a large pool of prospective suitors, and some of them use algorithms to provide you with mate suggestions that more closely match what you are looking for.
For people who are shy or introverted, these online means of selecting and interacting with a potential date can provide a less confronting way to initiate a connection. Messaging, video calls, and phone chats can help someone get a better sense of a person before committing to an actual face-to-face meeting.
Why do people download dating apps?
Online dating and dating apps are one of the most popular ways to meet a new partner and there are more than 1,400 sites in the UK alone, catering to people from all walks of life and interests. Nearly a quarter of people have used or are currently using online dating services. For young and middle-aged adults (18-44 years old), this number increases to a third.
Although people download dating apps for different reasons, they tend to be motivated to download by:
- Curiosity (e.g., who haven’t I met yet?) (29%)
- Convenience (i.e., seems like the best way to meet a potential partner) (19%)
- Boredom (i.e., nothing else to do) (15%)
- Loneliness (e.g., just moved to a new city/area, wanted to meet new people) (12%)
- Hope (e.g., someone they know had a good experience using a dating app and encouraged them to try it) (12%)
Most people’s decision to download a dating app, however, is typically a combination of these drivers.
Those who have used online dating services tend to like them more
People who’ve used dating sites and apps at some point in their life, see these businesses in a more favourable light—especially if it is allowed them to meet their partner.
- 58% rate them as either somewhat or very positive (78% for people who have met their partner online)
- 48% are at least somewhat confident that they do everything they can to protect their subscriber’s information (58% for people who’ve met their partner online)
- 50% are at least somewhat comfortable providing their personal information to them (58% for people who’ve met their partner online)
Some advice
Regardless of whether you like or dislike online dating services, there’s a good chance you use them. They allow you to conveniently meet and connect with like-minded people, which can more than offset the potential costs in their use. So next time someone asks you how you met your significant other, don’t be shy. In truth, there’s a good chance that their own relationship story shares a similar beginning.
With many singles desperate you’d better be in your best dating app shape this year. Whether you’re mad about dogs, passionate about green issues, or a connoisseur of fine wines, you’re sure to find someone who shares your interests. Even when lockdown restrictions eventually lift, and we can meet prospective partners in the park or pub, dating apps still have a part to play.