Of late, there has been an increase in the use of dating sites and apps, resulting from the widespread adoption of smartphone use. Finding your match has become easy and exciting as it is just a click of a button away. Dating sites and apps have facilitated billions of dates and helped pave the way for marriage, children, and everything in between.

Fun enough, meeting online was once a taboo topic. Now it’s an expected answer for people to say they met on Bumble, Tinder, Amanda, and other dating apps. Most people’s decision to use dating apps results from various reasons. Thus, app-based dating has sometimes been associated with some challenges. However, many people have also found true love.

Along with this, Real Research conducted a survey on dating app user experience. The survey revealed that 790 respondents have used dating apps and the majority prefer to use Tinder. Furthermore, the biggest reason why people prefer to use a dating application is that they can easily choose the person (opposite gender) they like after viewing their photos.

Highlights

  • Real Research survey shows that 790 respondents have used a dating application in their lives. Moreover, Tinder is the most utilized dating app followed by Bumble.
  • Out of a variety of reasons, the majority (16.88%) acknowledged that the biggest reason why they prefer to use a dating application is that they can simply choose a partner they like after checking their photo.
  • Additionally, a majority of people use dating apps 2-3 times a week. Moreover, a little above 30% are somewhat positive about meeting the opposite gender through a dating application.
  • According to the survey, the most negative aspect of using a dating application is sexual crime exposure and cybercrime.
  • Lastly, more than 600 respondents are not willing to pay for premium services on a dating application.

Respondents That Have Used Dating Apps

The gigantic shift in dating culture emerged when dating apps were introduced to a wider population across the globe. Dating is becoming more virtual; resulting from the pandemic and the rise in the use of smartphones. Real Research survey has shown that 790 respondents use dating applications.

Figure 1. Many people used a dating application

The number of people using dating apps keeps expanding as more people meet and match online. One advantage to note is that it facilitates interactions between people who might never have physically crossed paths in their entire lives. Hence, the outcome shows that more people are now turning to use a dating application.

As per the survey, the majority of participants (17.56%) who used dating apps often utilize Tinder. It is by far the world’s most popular dating app. Tinder is basically the first stop for those entering the dating world. The dating application revolutionized the dating culture, becoming one of the biggest matchmakers in the world.

Figure 2. List of popular dating applications

Following after is Bumble with close to 200 respondents saying they have used the dating app. In this app, women are required to message first. It takes the pressure away from guys who are tired of being the first to make conversations.

Why People Prefer Dating Apps

Among the questions asked is the biggest reason why participants prefer to use a dating application. According to the survey, it is primarily because they can choose the person (opposite gender) they like after viewing their photos. By just simply looking at a picture, someone can find a soulmate,  go for casual dating, and engage in other types of social connections.

Figure 3. Users’ motivation behind dating app preferences

This lessens the hassle that comes with going out, trying to spot someone whom you might be compatible with, and also having the guts to approach the person physically. In line with this, another group of 300 respondents gave a reason that they do not have an opportunity to meet someone from the opposite gender.

Many reasons can be associated with the above answer including a tight work schedule, family responsibilities and so much more. Therefore, dating apps have become a convenient way to find a partner without much strain. Imagine waking up on a weekend morning, reaching for your smartphone, and after a few clicks, you have a connection for the evening.

Additionally, more than 250 participants responded that they use dating apps just for fun. For whatever reason an individual might use a dating app, the survey shows that it’s still an efficient place to meet with a partner.

Usage of Dating Apps

A majority of people use dating apps 2-3 times a week. Moreover, a little above 30% are somewhat positive about meeting the opposite gender through a dating application. Between the genesis of dating apps and now, the number of users has tripled. Also, the apps have been modified constantly.

Figure 4. Sentiment on meeting people through a dating app

With all this, people are becoming more positive about using dating apps. Let’s be honest, there is an overwhelming amount of dating apps to choose from worldwide. With all these apps at their disposal, people are somewhat positive about meeting the opposite gender through a dating application. Though adults are also on dating apps, it is mostly the millennials that seek love online.

Challenges Associated With Dating Apps

22.12% cited that the most negative aspect of using a dating application is sexual crime exposure and cybercrime. In some instances, it has been reported that people have been sexually assaulted and faced harassment on dating apps.

Figure 5. Drawbacks of using dating apps

Especially using the ‘unmatch’ function, which actually enables offenders to block their victims, deleting any trace of communication is possible on some dating apps. Essentially, if someone is assaulted after meeting on the app, the perpetrator can effectively cover their own tracks. As a result, most users have portrayed sexual crime exposure as the most negative aspect of dating apps.

Moreover, cybercrime has also caused challenges in using dating apps. Some profiles on dating apps are fake. After all, not everyone is looking for love on the internet, some are looking for money too. Some target widows or single people with money. They propose to the victim profusely about their love towards them and trick them to transfer money.

Additionally, 19.92% of the answers on the negative aspect said there was a lack of credibility on the person’s identity. Some of the profiles are exaggerated and cannot be trusted. In other cases, people often lie about age and demographic areas. By and large, while dating apps have gained legitimacy, there is a need to secure these platforms.

25% Dislike Paying for Premium Services

Lastly, more than 600 respondents (25%) are not willing to pay for premium services on a dating application. They would rather opt to use regular services than pay for premium services on dating apps. During the lockdown, more and more people have turned to use dating apps – including those with video call functions.

Figure 6. Preference on dating apps’ premium services

More so, dating apps such as Tinder do offer two upgrades: Tinder Plus and Tinder Gold. This means that modern matchmaking services are introducing a variety of features to attract users. Nonetheless, anyone can register for free by downloading the app. Yet, to unlock some features, a certain fee needs to be paid.

Real Research survey has shown that the majority of people are not willing to pay. Caught in between is 16.4% of the respondents who said they do not know if they are willing to pay or not. Following then 325 people answered that they will pay for premium services on dating apps.

Free services don’t offer much in some cases. To unlock many matches, there is a need to pay for the services that are being offered. Hence, this is an evident reason why some people opt to pay for premium services on dating apps.

In summary, the survey has revealed that most people have used dating apps and Tinder is the most popular one. Though the concept was once strange, it has become universally accepted. Every now and again, new dating apps pop up. However, most people are in favor of using those that are free. They are not willing to pay for premium services.

Methodology

Survey TitleDating App User Experience Survey
DurationJanuary 11, 2021 – January 15, 2021
Number of Participants2,500
DemographicsSouth Koreans, males and females, aged 19 to 60+
Participating CountriesBangladesh, Canada, Costa Rica, France, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Myanmar [Burma], Nigeria, Poland, South Korea, United Arab Emirates, United States, Vietnam