UNPOPULAR OPINION…I prefer to use dating apps over traditional dating.
Now, now…I know what you’re thinking— “It’s not genuine,” “People have time to craft their responses,” etc. I have heard it all! Yes, those things can be true, but in my experience the same barriers exist in traditional dating. Plus, what are the odds that I lock eyes with someone in the grocery store (while shopping with my daughter), and we begin to casually talk and exchange numbers…so unrealistic!
It’s a little more realistic for me to create a dating profile and start swiping. So here are 5 reasons I prefer dating apps:
- Diverse candidate pool—I appreciate the diverse mix of culture, experiences, and interests that are readily available on dating apps. Apps like okcupid allow users to create a full profile and it asks several questions that you can answer, or not. The upside to answering the questions is a compatibility percentage that is displayed on a potential matches profile. People lie, so it’s important to read between the lines and not rely on the compatibility percentage alone but it does give you a quick snapshot of similarities/differences among you and the other user.
- The vetting process—Having the control to read a profile and deciding if you would like to move forward by a simple swipe of a finger is an unmatched experience for anyone who doesn’t like to waste their time…I don’t like to waste my time. I immediately swipe left on incomplete profiles, because it tells me that the candidate doesn’t care enough to create a biography. Sometimes it’s not about what is written, sometimes it’s about what’s not written. Tinder is one app I steer clear of. It’s notoriously known as the “hook-up app,” and hardly anyone really has a biography. Vet wisely, my friends!
- Women make the first move—I personally found that Bumble generates the least amount of spam, and it’s because the woman must make the first move within 24 hours after matching. The other party must then respond in 24 hours, or the match status goes away. At first, I hated the time limit, but then realized that it’s an easy way to learn who is actively engaged in meeting/getting to know people and who has a dormant profile.
- An exclusive community of date seekers—Okay, so this one doesn’t sound that appealing but hear me out! A single person wants to know that there is no chance the person they are instantly attracted to is married—the apps use the honors system, so hopefully that truly is the case. Apps like CoffeeMeetsBagel really require you to have a sense of discernment. They suggest best potential matches for you and get an idea of your preferences based on your selections. It really challenges you to be selective and think of the quality of your potential matches.
- Because I can make decisions on my couch! —Seriously, I work a lot. The idea that I can spend 5-10 mins a day “networking” and exploring my options makes the deal a little sweeter for me. It’s the simple things!
Those are my Top 5, and the apps I chose to give insight on are ones that I have personally explored (I deleted Tinder after the first day—a little too risky for me). If you ever find yourself on a dating app don’t forget to make your profile appealing. Show your full personality by uploading a variety of pictures that show who you really are. I’m no expert, but if I was, I would say the best profiles have pictures of an outing with friends, something adventurous, something professional, and something that makes you unique!
Feel free to share your dating app experience in the comments below—the good, the bad, and the ugly will be beneficial for anyone still exploring options. Married friends, you may not be on the market, but did any of you meet your husband on a dating app? Share below!
