{"id":16486,"date":"2018-07-13T14:48:43","date_gmt":"2018-07-13T22:48:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.spokeo.com\/compass\/?p=16486"},"modified":"2022-04-13T12:27:09","modified_gmt":"2022-04-13T20:27:09","slug":"5-tips-for-using-dating-apps","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.spokeo.com\/compass\/5-tips-for-using-dating-apps\/","title":{"rendered":"Dating App Advice for Success Online"},"content":{"rendered":"

There was a time when online dating was considered strange, creepy, even kind of pathetic. It wasn\u2019t unusual to hear snickering about the \u201closers\u201d on <\/span>Match.com<\/span><\/a> (<\/span>the first online dating site<\/span><\/a>) having the gall to seek connections outside the sacred precincts of loud, smokey bars. <\/span><\/p>\n

Oh, how times have changed. The stigma surrounding internet dating is a thing of the past, and apps like OKCupid, Tinder and Bumble are more popular than ever. While people of all ages are finding love online, it\u2019s those dang Millennials, born with pacifiers in their mouths and iPhones in their hands, driving the trend:<\/span> 31% of 18-29 year-olds<\/span><\/a> are currently using online dating sites or apps. <\/span><\/p>\n

Online dating is fast becoming <\/span>the<\/span><\/i> way to meet people and form relationships. But that doesn\u2019t make it any easier. Dating apps come with their own set of frustrations and pitfalls. Here are some dating app tips that will help you on your path to true love.  <\/span><\/p>\n

1. Be Yourself<\/h2>\n

When crafting your profile, put some time and energy into really communicating what you\u2019re about. It\u2019s all well and good to have photos showing off your gym body or making kissy faces, realize that you may attract people who won\u2019t stick around when it comes time to take things deeper. According to eHarmony, the cardinal dating profile sin is <\/span>being too generic<\/span><\/a>. <\/span><\/p>\n

Although it\u2019s important to to look and sound your best, don\u2019t try to be someone you\u2019re not. Take care to write a bio and include pictures that express who you <\/span>really are<\/span><\/i>, not who you think you should be to attract a mate.<\/span><\/p>\n

Be unique. Stand out. Sure, telling the world you\u2019re fascinated by the ancient art of puppetry may turn off some, but it\u2019ll help pull heartstrings on others. Online dating is all about finding the right match, not the most matches. <\/span><\/p>\n

2. Expand Your Horizons<\/h2>\n

When it comes to setting the parameters of who you\u2019re looking for, don\u2019t be overly strict. Narrow-mindedness will get you nowhere, fast. Filtering out hundreds of potential matches by having unreal expectations about age, appearance, hobbies, etc., is a sure-fire recipe for dating failure.<\/span><\/p>\n

Open your mind, and don\u2019t limit yourself to a type. Opposites attract for a reason. <\/span><\/p>\n

3. Do Your Research<\/h2>\n

Before you agree to meet someone in person or share personal information, do your research. One study suggests that  <\/span>53% of men and women lie on their online dating profile<\/span><\/a>, and that can include lies about identity, marriage status, criminal background etc. What\u2019s more, dating sites are home to <\/span>romance scammers<\/span><\/a> and <\/span>fraudsters<\/span><\/a> looking to scam you out of cash and compromising information. Knowing <\/span>how to spot fake dating profiles<\/span><\/a> can help protect you from catfish, but what about everyone else?<\/span><\/p>\n

The most important thing you can do before you take the next step is to run a background check on their <\/span>name<\/span><\/a>, <\/span>email address<\/span><\/a> or <\/span>phone number<\/span><\/a> using a people search engine. Doing this will provide you with a wealth of information so you can better understand who you\u2019re dealing with. The information can include:<\/span><\/p>\n