The internet plays a great part in our social lives right now, with websites including Facebook and Instagram that help us keep in touch with our family and friends. It’s only a matter of time that the internet is also used to help our love lives as well. Online dating, including dating apps, is now very popular in terms of meeting new people and possibly a lifetime partner.
Dating sites have increased in popularity over the last few years, catering to all people from all walks of life. So, whether you are crazy about dogs, passionate about movies, or a wine enthusiast, you are likely to find someone who shares the same interests. In this post, we will talk about the best online dating sites that can help you find a partner. It is also interesting to know that one-third of marriages are between people who met online, studies show. Keep reading if you’re curious.
Zoosk
Zoosk has been around for more than a decade and exhibits one of the largest pools of online daters. While it is strictly pay to play, there is also an assurance that you come across high quality singles looking for a date. It’s relatively easy to find someone, as well as to get started with the site. Zoosk is very generous in providing several different features that help you find a match that suits your preferences. It features a search function, allowing you to set advanced filters, as well as screen other singles that fit your defined criteria, from height and religion to education.
Tinder
Tinder is one of the most popular dating apps right now and it is the obvious first choice on this list. In fact, this app is included in TechRadar’s list of the best dating apps in 2019. It has proven to be very successful in building long distance relationships, as well as marriages. However, recent trends show that Tinder users have drastically changed, from using the app for dating to it being some form of a hookup dating app.
Now, the app will not require you to log into your Facebook account. However, you need to be 18 and up. Once you have activated your account, you may now be able to set up your profile, consisting of a 500-character bio and several images. It is also highly encouraged that you always include at least a photo in your profile. You can also link your Instagram account, as well as include your age, your school, and your job.
Tinder will show you a photo, a name, and an age. You can simply tap on the photo to be able to see additional information about the person. You also have the option to swipe right if you like them and left if you don’t like them. Finally, you can use a “super like” to notify them that you have swiped right on their profile. The only catch is that both of you have swiped right. As soon as you match, a new screen will pop up, showing that you two have matched.
OkCupid
OkCupid is also a big name in the dating business. Once you have created a username, you will be required to fill out a long profile. Like Tinder, you also have the option to link your Instagram account. You can also answer random questions while providing both your own answer and the answer you would like your potential match to be. This algorithm creates a score, which would reflect compatibility.
OkCupid also shares downsides as with Tinder, except that you learn a lot more about your potential dating partner. In addition, the interface is a bit clunky and the photos too small. You are also required to tap on a user’s small image just to be able to see the larger version of it. Probably the worst feature of OkCupid is that anyone has the capability to message you. While you have the option not to reply to them, it’s still a bit inconvenient, right?
Hinge
Hinge is a lot like Tinder but is also a lot better, thanks to a few key differences. Function-wise, Hinge relies on your Facebook friends to make a match for you. The way it works is that it connects you to friends-of-friends-of-friends, showing you not only the people you both know but also their interests.
If you are curious about someone, you can always ask a friend that you both have in common. This is probably what’s lacking in other dating apps – a personal touch. Furthermore, people only have the capability to message you if you matched, eliminating the annoying and unsolicited greetings from strangers. Probably a downside of Hinge is that it deeply relies on Facebook and Instagram, which is kind of limited. While all this does not sound revolutionary, Hinge eliminates the hookup culture you may experience a lot from Tinder. Lastly, you are not likely to come across inappropriate photos because you are both connected through your friends.
Bumble
Tinder and Bumble’s rivalry goes way back. When compared to Tinder, Bumble looks a lot like it but it functions differently. The biggest catch with Bumble is that when heterosexuals match, it is the woman who has the right to message the man first, and she has 24 hours to do it. For homosexual matches, either person can start the conversation.
Bumble has been proven to be user-friendly, featuring a slick easy user interface. To add, this dating app states that it prohibits pornographic material, promoting its users to respect each other. It also has a code of conduct, making it a friendly and safe place. The only downside of Bumble is that if you are too shy to initiate a conversation, then this wouldn’t be the best dating app for you. People’s profiles are very short and you only have up to six photos to include in your profile. In a way, this may make things a little challenging to gauge whether you are interested in a person or not.