Although online dating has become a remarkably normal part of modern courtship, will still be shrouded in a lot of myths and untruths — for example, the idea that internet dating hinders commitment or the common misconception that online daters aren't really looking to meet people IRL. To get at the foot of things and hopefully bust some of these modern dating myths in the process, Tinder surveyed its users and found some surprising (and encouraging!) data about online dating.
Want to have more success on apps this summer? Follow these tips:
- Ask them out already.
There's a common misconception that people who're online care more about virtual relationships than meeting up. While you'll definitely find your fair share of time-wasters online, Tinder found that the typical user only waits 2-7 days before meeting their match in person. Whereas, One in five offline daters waits 1-2 months before asking someone out. Additionally, 63% of online daters continue at least 1-2 dates per week, when compared with only 52% of offline daters.
- Open the first message having a question or observation.
There's a myth that proper communication died with the birth of the internet, but Tinder discovered that the opposite is true. Sure, you'll still get the share of internet dating messages that say such things as, “hi” or “'sup” but online daters are in fact far more prone to start a conversation having a question or observation than their offline counterparts. In fact, offline daters are 3x more likely to begin a conversation by referring to the weather (ugh, I'm bored already.) So, to help keep things interesting be sure you ask matches something about themselves and/or their profile when you initiate contact.
- Don't hide your ambitions.
While you may have the pressure to seem as “chill” as you possibly can online, not good may come from hiding your brains and/or career aspirations. On Tinder, women are 5% more likely than males to rank differences in career aspirations a deal-breaker online. So, shine on you crazy diamond!
- Initiate the very first date.
Want to face out of the offline daters? Initiate the very first date! Tinder found that when it comes to dragging their feet, offline daters are the main culprits — in fact, One in three have never initiated the very first date.
- Don't give up on love.
If you believe online dating apps killed romance, reconsider. Based on the survey, 77% of online daters report having been for each other (compared to only 67% of offline daters). Also, online daters are more likely to say “I love you” than their offline peers — only 11% of online daters haven't said those four words, when compared with 19% of offline daters.
So, if you're looking for love come july 1st, be yourself, take initiative and hang up in there. You might just meet Mr. or Miss Swipe Right.