3 Things to Do if You Want to Make Online Dating a Success
“I’m a sucker for a cheesy pun, so you’d better be Gouda.” —Anonymous
Wouldn’t it be great if telling a joke was all you needed to hook up with the girl of your dreams on a dating app? It can be hard for a guy looking for a perfect online match to know what to say or do. On the one hand, you may read that without authenticity and vulnerability, it’s close to impossible to build meaningful connections. On the other hand, you don’t want to give too much away, scare potential dates away, or seem too intense. If you’re looking for a foolproof way to avoid wasting time, build a list of interesting girls to meet, and even potentially find a romantic partner for life, you’ve come to the right place. A new study has found that there are three things you need to do to make your online dating experience more rewarding.
A Groundbreaking Study
A study review published in the Journal of Education Humanities and Social Sciences has explored the multifaceted factors that influence the success of the online dating experience. The researchers found that there are three main areas that can make for a better or worse experience: deception, user psychology, and platform design. Let’s get straight to the first category, then, that of deception, defined by the study authors as “a message intentionally sent by a sender to induce the receiver to produce false information or conclusions.” The researchers found that men tend to say they are taller than they actually are, while women tend to knock a few pounds off their actual weight. These deceptions may cause inadequacy when they are discovered by the other person, which in turn can undermine trust and make it harder for people to build a genuine relationship. That means if you are using a dating app, be honest from the start. There’s no point in catfishing someone—if you have seen the MTV show, then you know that deception never ends well.
User Psychology
The second factor that affects the success of the dating experience is the psychology of the user. Apps like Tinder often ask users what they are looking for—for instance, a fling or a long-term relationship. However, the researchers found that users don’t often answer this question honestly. Many start swiping immediately and end up with so many matches that they become overwhelmed and don’t know how to narrow down their choices. It’s different, of course, for sites where users are matched via InstaCams in a completely random fashion. In this case, everyone involved knows exactly the experience they are after, and users can enjoy the exact type of connection they are seeking. Things don’t go so well; however, when users swipe right for people they think are after something serious, the person is just bored! So, if you are after a friendship or romance, take your time, say what you are really after, and don’t use dating apps addictively or uncontrollably.
Platform Design
The final factor in determining success in online dating is the design of the platform. Some apps are more centered on appearance, offering users the chance to check out numerous photos and short profiles. This can lead them to choose potential matches based on looks alone instead of common interests or compatibility. What’s more, apps like Tinder often encourage users to swipe fast. This can lead them to make choices in a rushed fashion and to fail to use the patience they need to make emotional connections.
If you’re after a meaningful online dating experience, science has spoken. Be honest, make sure you know exactly why you are using an app, and go for apps that allow you to get to know others a bit better. Of course, everyone’s definition of success is different, so if speed dating, quick online encounters, or one-off dating experiences are your thing, then feel free to take part in this experience with like-minded people.