Pros, Cons Of Dating Apps, Positives Effects Of Dating Sites, Is Online Dating Worth It?
Yes, there are plenty of awful people on dating apps, sketchy dating sites and even bad experiences likely to be had but guess what, bad experiences also happen offline as well.
Dating apps should be used as another tool to meet people beyond one’s social circles, routines, lifestyle and day to day life. For those who are busy, have limited time to go out, live in remote areas, are a bit shy or would like the opportunity to meet more people, possibly more efficiently, dating apps offer more ways to meet people that ever before.
Single parents, busy students, those who want to meet different people beyond their usual stomping grounds and those that want the ability to present themselves more intimately and thoroughly rather than being quickly judged can benefit from using dating apps.
Related read: Online vs Offline Dating – Online Dating Misnomer
Who Uses Dating Apps? Who Do Dating Apps Target; Online Dating Demographics
Nearly everyone and their mother uses dating apps. You can find gay, straight, college students, grandparents, single parents, religious folks, ENM folks, executives, doctors, artists, celebrities and teachers use dating apps.
Not all dating apps are the same, some cater towards certain demographics while others focus on certain intentions, i.e. relationship focused folks while others target college educated folks and professionals while some focus on religious singles. It’s important to understand the demographics of each app to figure out which is best for you.
Related read: Online Dating Demographics
Which Age Groups Use Dating Apps? Are There Dating Sites For 50+?
The largest number of users on dating apps are those in their 20s and with each decade, the number of users decreases. With that said, the fastest growing demographic of dating app users are those 50+ (at least based on a percentage basis).
Dating apps can provide those with less free time the opportunity to meet others more efficiently but only if they know what they want and only if they know how to market themselves effectively and screen profiles and read people well.
How To Use Dating Apps In A Healthy Way, How To Navigate Online Dating
1) Limit use to 3-4 times a week, 20 minutes a day on sending likes, comments.
2) Swipe efficiently on those near you, share the same values and intentions, and those you have a realistic chance with.
3) Learn to vet dating prospects, make sure you are ready to date (are happy on your own).
4) Don’t use dating apps for 100% of your dating efforts (need to meet people offline as well).
5) Improve yourself (exercise, eat well, expand hobbies, build interests, develop social circles, learn to communicate effectively, practice your writing skills, update your wardrobe, prioritize dating and be open-minded).
6) Don’t overly invest yourself in a stranger, don’t move off the apps until you go on a date, don’t ghost people (unless you are in danger, feel uncomfortable), be honest (don’t lie on your profile) and cut off time wasters sooner than later.
Online Dating vs Meet People Offline (Traditional Dating), Positive Effects, Benefits
More and more people are using dating apps than ever before, and more and more people are meeting their significant others and spouses than ever before. This shift in usage has shifted the focus in terms of how much time and what people prioritize.
When out and about, one has to have the courage, timing and luck to meet someone awesome. Thanks to technology, phones, earphones – it’s harder to break through the initial contact. Also, some people are busy with their conversations and prefer not to be interrupted.
Current figures are across the board, but numbers are definitely under-reported as there is still a stigma around dating apps. Benefits of online dating are many but ideally, dating apps should be used to supplement your main focus – meeting people offline (never should replace it or be the main outlet for meeting people).
Online Dating Etiquette
Online dating rules, etiquette & more from texting, matching, first messages, date planning, liking vs. commenting, not interested, when to meet & more.
Are Dating Apps For Losers? Is There Still A Stigma Around Dating Apps?
Just like with going to a bar, there is a mix of people you can meet on dating apps. Every app draws slightly different folks. There are always exceptions to the rules and dating apps should be treated like introduction apps rather than ordering apps. Yes, people can lie or misrepresent themselves, just like in person.
Dating apps can tend to increase opportunities to cross paths with such losers and time wasters but that is why the ability to be patient, ask questions, market yourself effectively, screen profiles, read people and use good judgment is key.
Dating apps are not screening for background checks, much like a bar is not turning away married men who hit on women.
There used to be a stigma around dating apps, but not as much anymore. You can easily meet awesome, interesting people who for various reasons want to expand their reach of eligible singles they meet.
One shouldn’t assume that there is something wrong with people just because they use dating apps but with that said, one shouldn’t be too trusting, too soon either. Benefits of dating apps are plenty but not without some drawbacks.
Are Dating Apps Actually Effective? Do Dating Apps Work? Success Rate of Online Dating?
They definitely can be, but a vast majority of people on dating apps are rather lazy, lack self-awareness or social skills. It can feel like a daunting task to sift through boring, lazy and cringy profiles but for those that market themselves well and know what to look for, dating apps can be effective.
Most people posting and complaining are a good portion of online dating experiences but that is not a complete perspective. Most people don’t like to admit to using apps and feel no need to tell people how they met their partners. As such, the ratio of success stories to horror stories can feel lopsided.
Not everyone is willing to put in the work, and many people out themselves during the communication stage or dating planning stage of online dating. Dating apps are not ordering apps like UberEats, but rather an introduction app. People fail to realize that profiles are self-selected and need to learn to do their own due diligence rather than trust strangers and greedy companies.
Dating App Success Stories: Bumble, Hinge, Coffee Meets Bagel
Despite frustrations and poor results, there are countless success stories being had across all the major dating sites like Coffee Meets Bagel, Hinge, Bumble and more (examples below)
Typically, online dating success requires a number of factors including appearance, social skills, date planning skills, wardrobe, style, demographics, lifestyle choices, self-awareness, patience, timing and luck (just like with offline efforts).
Coffee Meets Bagel Success Stories
Online Dating App Tips For Beginners, Online Dating 101, How To Approach Online Dating
Read this FAQ guide.
Also read this guide on dating apps for new users.
Who Benefits From Dating Apps?
Shareholders, owners of said apps, attractive people and those who know what they are doing and know how to navigate dating apps.
What Dating Apps Should I Use? What Are The Best Dating Apps? Top Dating Sites?
That depends on your demographics, lifestyle choices, location, orientation, gender and intentions. In many parts of the world, there are no options or no good options.
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About Eddie Hernandez
Eddie is a dating coach for men & women, as seen in the NYT & Bumble). He helps w/ profiles, photos, wardrobe, messaging, date ideas, lifestyle choices, hobbies, social skills, screening time-wasters & meeting people offline.