Online dating is HOT. How hot? Clicking and swiping for love has tripled among young people since 2013, the Pew Research Center says in a study released just in time for Valentine’s Day.
Some 27% of Americans ages 18 to 24 now report using online dating, up from just 10% in 2013. Feuling that trend: app-dating, with Tinder and Tinder-like tools such as Bumble becoming mainstream. Some people even opt to send a DM (direct message) via the use of instagram messenger, for example, in the hopes of gaining the attention of someone they’re interested in. When it comes to dating online, there are many ways to go about it.
Nearly one-in-ten American adults (9%) have used a dating app on their cellphone, up from just 3% who reported doing so in 2013.
Not since the early days of the Internet — when only eBay and dating sites like Match.com made money — has online love been such a big deal. Even older Americans are getting in on the act – 12% of 55- to 64-year-olds have ever used online dating, double the 6% who reported doing so in 2013.
Attitudes about online date seeking are changing, Pew says, which might be contributing to the growth. Eighty percent of Americans who have used online dating agree that it is a good way to meet people. Some 62% agree that online dating helps people find a better match, and 61% agree that online dating is easier and more efficient than other ways of meeting people. Meanwhile, 29% know someone who has met a spouse or long-term partner via online dating — and 46% of college grads know a digital marriage.
Some hesitation remains. People also worry about the dangers of meeting the person in real life after talking to them online. Although if this doesn’t worry you, when choosing a location for a first date, DatingPilot suggests that you pick a location where you feel comfortable. Don’t compromise just to seem more interesting and instead pick something you both will enjoy. Only then your relationship is off to a good start. Also ensure that your meeting point is in a public place, this is just a safety precaution to keep you safe whilst you meet the person. About 45 percent agree online dating is more a dangerous way to meet people (more women than men think so), and 16 percent say “people who use online dating sites are desperate.” However, most online dates will turn out to not be that dangerous, but make sure to stay aware.
Online dating presents other risks, too. Last year, I wrote about and IBM study revealing most dating apps are vulnerable to hackers. There’s also the Internet’s most effective crime, Romance Scams (Here’s a 10-year-old story on that.) And do I have to mention Ashley Madison?
Which brings me to my real point here. By now you should know that Ashley Madison was jam-packed with fake profiles. I’ve been hearing a lot about new dating apps having the same issue. Have you encountered fake profiles on dating apps? I’d like to hear from you. And I also hope you find whatever you are looking for on Valentine’s Day.
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