Love Clicks: Navigating the online dating world
(WBRE/WYOU)— Online dating has become more popular than ever. With spring in the air and new beginnings on the horizon, 28/22’s Jason Livecchi and our media partners at the Times Leader decided to take a closer look at the online dating world here in northeastern Pennsylvania.
“You can find love, or you can meet a serial killer, who knows?” joked Jackie Cuhna, from Scranton.
Looking for love is easier than ever and your true love could be as close as your fingertips with technology. Just head to one of the many dating apps and you can find a dating pool of people who match your interests.
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Of course, as with any dating experience, the apps offer up some hits and misses.
“I have had pretty good experiences and also pretty bad ones,” Cuhna told 28/22 News.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, nearly 47% of the U.S. population is single, so the Times Leader and WBRE teamed up to find out how locals are making out on the digital quest for love.
“I’ve been on and off dating apps for the last three or four years cyclical,” said Dianna Brown, from Scranton.
One of the biggest challenges facing singles swiping online was the burnout. They’re spending plenty of time swiping but not finding any keepers.
“I feel like people are getting frustrated with it because it makes it instant gratification If you have too many options, you get overwhelmed,” said Brad Pacalis, from Binghamton, New York.
The things these singles sought most from dating apps were deeper, more meaningful connections with matches and they don’t like to spend months texting without a face-to-face.
“I probably only have a conversation that lasts more than two days with like 20% of the people I match with on there,” added Brown.
So, what are some tips for success? Show your interests, hobbies, and what you truly enjoy doing in your profile pictures and bio.
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“I like when people share playlists, or like their favorite books, movies, all that kind of stuff,” Brown explained.
Then after you match you can plan your date by doing something that interests both of you.
“I really love dates where you’re doing something. I feel like when I did the coffee shop it’s just sitting down and getting coffee I feel like it’s sort of basic. It’s nice to get to know each other a little bit but then like go on a walk afterward or a hike or like go bowling try something new,” Brown added.
For safety, plan to meet in a crowded place, arrive separately and leave separately. If you notice any red flags, trust your instincts.
“I had like two or three guys, by the time we get there hear some of my stories, they just had like very bizarre comments on certain things,” Brown said.
The bottom line: make sure you show your true self to attract someone who will be a good match.
“Not like my prettiest picture, but my weirdest ones got the most attention it kind of attracted the the people who had the same type of humor as me,” Cuhna explained.
It could take time but there are success stories out there.
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“I met my current boyfriend on Hinge — We don’t tell people we met on Hinge though! We say we met at a saloon, and I walked in and saw him playing the piano,” Cuhna joked.
And remember not every date is going to be your perfect match, but every swipe, conversation, and meeting is a step forward in finding the person you truly desire.
“Meet up in person, just so you can get a better feel what’s going on get a read on the energy,” Brown added.
You can check out the Times Leader’s coverage of “Love Clicks” in print and digital newspaper editions.
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