Untangling emerging adults’ motivations for using dating Apps
By Steve UMIDHA
A new study has spilled the beans on why folks dive into dating apps, and it’s a mixed bag!
A good chunk, about 32.93%, is all about making new buddies. Right behind them at 27.66%, the study by Geopoll – a mobile surveying platform, got the serious relationship seekers. Then, there’s the 19.77% crew, using the app for some romantic vibes, and a curious bunch at 19.21%.
The rise of dating apps has undoubtedly influenced traditional dating norms. From the initial stages of getting to know someone to the dynamics of defining a relationship, the digital realm has introduced a new domain. Despite these changes, many argue that the core elements of building a connection and fostering romance remain unchanged.
Respondents’ interpretations
The study revealed that 42.59% of the respondents would prefer to use both dating apps and traditional means of dating. A substantial 35.53% prefer using dating apps as opposed to conventional ways, and 21.89% prefer old-school courtship.
Geopoll data also found that a significant 28.47% are prioritizing user profiles and photos. Close behind, 22.23% favor messaging and chatting features, while 17.36% appreciate practical matching algorithms.
The location-based matching feature follows closely at 16.33% and 15.47% value profile verification and safety features. These insights shed light on the distinctive aspects that draw individuals towards specific dating apps.
The results from respondents who took part in the survey further revealed that 70.32% of respondents had met someone through dating apps, while 29.68% reported not having had such an encounter.
Safety measures
Safety concerns regarding meeting individuals online have prompted certain dating apps to implement safety measures within their platforms.
When participants were questioned about their assessment of safety and privacy during app use, 33.71% expressed feeling somewhat safe, 30.10% considered their experience very safe, 26.83% remained neutral, 7.91% felt unsafe, and 1.38% perceived their interactions as very dangerous.
As technology advances with the emergences of Artificial Intelligence (AI), the future of dating apps holds exciting possibilities. Features like virtual reality dating experiences and enhanced security measures will likely shape the next generation of digital dating.
The evolving landscape, according to the study, has prompted industry players to consider how these changes will impact users’ approach to love and relationships.
Most preferred user Apps
According to Statista.com, Tinder is the most downloaded dating application in the world. First released in April 2012, the American company introduced the swiping model, with people anonymously indicating who they are interested in. Once two individuals are a “match”, they can text and initiate a date.
Tinder is a mega-star dating app for young people. The data shows that this app has been downloaded over 530 million times, with 75 million monthly active users and 9.6 million subscribers in 2021.
Data from the survey reveals that Tinder is the most popular dating app, with 38.64% having used the app.
Litmatch and Bumble ranked second and third, with over 3.4 million and close to 2.7 million monthly downloads respectively.
Launched in 1995, Match.com is one of the oldest dating platforms. It has become one of the most well-known and widely used dating platforms globally. The survey reveals that 16.05% of the participants use Match.com as their preferred dating platform.
According to Dating Advice, Bumble was founded in 2014 by Whitney Wolfe Herd (who co-founded Tinder) with the help of Badoo CEO Andrey Andreev and former Tinder employees Chris Gulczynski and Sarah Mick to make a more female-driven dating app. It has over 50 million downloads worldwide and is available in 150 countries.
Forbes recently described OkCupid as an inclusive dating website with a comprehensive free plan and unique matching algorithm. It’s loaded with plenty of special free and paid features, like an in-depth questionnaire that connects you to others with similar interests and beliefs.
The recent study also reveals OkCupid’s popularity in Africa, with 12.79% of the respondents agreeing to use the platform.
The survey was run via the GeoPoll mobile application in November 2023 in Ghana, Kenya and Uganda. The sample size was 4,259, composed of random app users between 18 and 60.
The survey’s results are however ‘slightly’ skewed towards younger respondents, since it was randomly distributed, according to the report’s drafters.