Despite being one of the most popular ways couples meet, people who use dating apps to find a partner report lower satisfaction with their relationship status than non-users, according to a 2023 study.
Researchers also suggest that decision paralysis, decreased self-esteem and the fear of being single can prevent people on these apps from finding a truly compatible match, even if they are both on it at the same time.
This, however, does not mean that dating apps are a lost cause. Many couples who connect on such apps go on to have healthy, long-lasting relationships. But finding love through an app takes more than just a few swipes.
The more thought you put into your profile and the more intentional you are about making real connections, the better your chances of success. Here are three simple ways to get the most out of your dating app experience.
1. Look Beyond The Profile Picture
Your success on dating apps starts with who you pick to start a conversation with. You might not immediately spot your “type” while scrolling through profiles, but that does not mean there is a shortage of great matches. Focusing on looks can limit your choices, and opening yourself up to different kinds of people could lead to surprising and meaningful connections.
A 2024 study highlights how what you see might not always be what you get when it comes to dating apps. Researchers explain how easy it is to misrepresent characteristics, especially physical attractiveness, when crafting a profile. This is why it’s important to look beyond the photograph when looking for a partner.
When choosing people to match with, try reading through the entire profile. What someone writes can give you a much clearer sense of your potential compatibility, and if you are only swiping left, you are likely missing out.
2. The True Test Is Meeting Them In Person
Much of what we see on social media is carefully curated, and people usually go the extra mile for dating apps. In an effort to impress, some users resort to using heavily edited photos or misleading, AI-augmented profiles. It’s easy to get caught up in appearances, and that’s why nothing compares to the authenticity of an in-person connection.
While it might feel emotionally safer talking to someone through a screen, research suggests you might sell yourself short with this approach. A 2014 study suggests that meeting within three weeks of connecting with your online match can help enhance relationship outcomes.
The more you communicate online, the easier it becomes to project an idealized version of the person on the other side of the screen. Meeting offline in a safe environment is a good way to get out of your head and ensure the person you are chatting with is who they say they are.
It can feel comfortable making connections through a phone, but until you meet face-to-face, you will not know if the feelings you have for each other are based on your true thoughts and feelings or simply on assumptions.
3. Be As Honest As Possible
A 2018 study suggests that deceiving your partner, even through innocuous white lies about your life experiences or appearance, is the easiest way to ruin a connection and lose the opportunity for a second date.
While small lies might help land a first date, they can hurt the chances of a meaningful connection. Participants who misrepresented themselves online were more likely to have first dates that ended in disappointment.
The study revealed an intuitive truth — the more dishonest the initial connection, the more likely your partner will feel disappointed or misled when you finally meet. If you are hoping to build something real, honesty isn’t optional.
If we want to experience true connection, the responsibility to show up as close to real as possible also lies on us, as users. Dating apps are tools, not magic. The more authentic, curious and open you are, the more likely you are to find someone who sees — and appreciates — the real you.
Would you sabotage your relationship if you met your partner online? Take this research-backed test to find out: Relationship Sabotage Scale.
