Finding love in 2022 can be a challenge. The COVID-19 pandemic has made it difficult for many single Americans to connect with their ideal match. There are nearly 31 million Americans currently using dating apps and dating experts project that number to continue to grow over the coming years.
With Valentines Day rapidly approaching, many single Americans are sprucing up their online dating profile to try and find true love. Many single Americans believe their profile and their pictures are the most important part of their dating profile, however many overlook the words they use and how they communicate with potential matches.
To learn more about the language of love and to understand how single Americans communicate on dating apps, Preply surveyed 2,000 Americans who have used a dating app within the last 5 years. Let’s examine the key takeaways of what the survey found.
How single Americans use dating apps in 2022
As it turns out many single Americans are spending a lot of time each day on dating apps and for many that includes time spent on multiple dating apps. Over 20% of surveyed respondents said that they currently use 5 or more dating apps. On top of that more than 3 in 4 reported to using a paid version of at least one dating app. The survey also found that 62% of dating app users spend between 1-3 hours viewing profiles each and every day. Another 1 in 5 users admit to checking dating apps more than ten times a day.
Despite the heavy usage statistics, many Americans are optimistic that they can and will find true love by using a data app. A majority of respondents (70%) believe that it is possible to fall in love with someone strictly by communicating via a dating app. Many surveyed respondents also said that they had success finding a committed relationship through a dating apppreviously.
The impact of COVID-19 on dating app usage
As you might expect, usage of dating apps has certainly increased during the COVID-19 pandemic. With many Americans feeling uncomfortable meeting new people in-person, many have spent more time messaging potential matches over an app. A majority of Americans said they have increased their time messaging through dating apps but have been more selective on how they choose to meet in person.
How Americans communicate on dating apps
Both women and men have preferences on whether or not they should send the first message or be the recipient of the first message after a successful match. The survey found that 63% of single Americans said they would rather message someone first rather than wait for the other person to message them.
Some however have apprehension about messaging too quickly. Nearly 75% of respondents said they have been worried that a potential match would judge them unfairly based on how quickly they messaged or responded.
Both women and men agree that the first impression is very important. 92% of respondents said having a good first line is crucial; however, many prefer to keep it simple. The most common opening lines focus on common interests, something to do with their dating profile, or even something as simple as a friendly greeting to break the ice.
How single Americans perceive bad grammar on dating apps
As it turns out, grammar and spelling matter on dating apps, more than you might realize. An overwhelming 95% of Americans agree that a profile with proper grammar, vocabulary and punctuation is important when selecting a potential match. 3 in 5 single Americans have stopped messaging or even gone as far as to unmatch someone because of repeated spelling or grammatical errors.
So, what are the top grammatical red flags for dating app users?
Looks can be very important in an online dating profile, but not enough to overcome bad spelling according to the survey. 70% of single Americans said they would swipe left on a profile they found attractive but had bad grammar or punctuation. On top of that excessive emoji use and excessive exclamation points are big red flags.
The biggest red flags for online daters in 2022
Certain topics should be avoided during the early stages of messaging if a match is going to turn into a possible committed relationship. The survey found that topics like money, sex, work, religion and the COVID-19 pandemic should be avoided until you move past the initial messaging stage. On top of that there are certain phrases that are more likely than others to turn potential matches away.
Listed blow are the top 5 phrases, references and words to avoid putting in your dating profile:
Pop culture references from movies, music and television are also a reason why some choose to swipe left so, try and keep those at a minimum.
In summary
Online dating can be a tricky yet rewarding experience for many single Americans. Despite the frustrations that many encounterthrough app based online dating, more and more Americans are finding success in finding their true love via this medium. Because of that, it’s important to remember that dating apps are primarily a text-based platform so the words that you use and the way you spell is important. Use the advice above this Valentine’s Day and you may find yourself single no more.