In the realm of modern romance, the saying “a picture is worth a thousand words” remains relevant, even in the digital age. A recent survey conducted by Agile Data Solutions, through its survey arm Hustle PH, revealed that when it comes to online dating apps, the majority of Filipino adults prioritize looks when considering a potential partner.
The study found that 63% of men and 54% of women, aged 18 and above, stated that the first thing they check on a dating app profile is the photo. This highlights the significant role that visual presentation plays in capturing initial attention and generating interest.
Additionally, the research explored the aspects that users tend to emphasize about themselves in their dating app profiles. Surprisingly, 44% of male users and 45% of female users admitted to putting more effort into their profile photos as a primary element of self-presentation.
According to Jason Gaguan, co-founder of Agile Data Solutions, “Online dating follows the rules of physical dating, where initial attraction is often based on looks and then further developed through meaningful conversations. The main difference is that online connections are made faster, without the barrier of physical distance and the burden of time-consuming face-to-face meetings.”
When it comes to the benefits of using dating apps, 50% of women and 48% of men highly value the ability to establish deep connections without the need for in-person meetings. Additionally, 37% of male respondents and 32% of female respondents expressed a strong interest in discovering shared interests and hobbies.
Gaguan emphasized, “There is a universal desire among respondents to expand their social connections through online dating apps, highlighting the role of these platforms as facilitators of social exploration. The importance of shared connections and interests in building meaningful relationships cannot be underestimated.”
Interestingly, the survey found that 58% of females and 73% of males reported being in a relationship with someone they met through an online dating app. This demonstrates the effectiveness of these apps in fostering real-life connections and developing successful romantic relationships.
Mismatched connections
Despite the widespread accessibility of online dating, many users approach it with caution due to apprehensions about connecting with strangers.
According to the survey, a significant number of females (34%) reported experiencing anxiety, stress, or fear when using online dating apps. This apprehension primarily stems from concerns about meeting individuals with malicious intentions. Similarly, a notable portion of both female (43%) and male (40%) respondents expressed worries about encountering individuals who misrepresent themselves on these platforms. This highlights the importance of authenticity and trust in establishing meaningful connections through online dating.
Jason Gaguan, offering an explanation, stated, “Following the initial attraction sparked by profile pictures and early conversations, we observe a similar trend of mistrust and anxiety that accompanies the early adoption stage of any digital platform, such as e-commerce, web news, vlogs, and even online payments. By examining the maturation pattern of these platforms, it becomes clear that establishing a safe space for users is key, achieved through improved security measures against fraud and wider user penetration.”
In summary, while online dating offers convenient ways to connect with others, concerns about safety and genuineness are prevalent among users. Building a secure environment and fostering trust are crucial for users to feel more comfortable and confident in their online interactions.
Reclaiming space
A majority of both men and women, six out of ten, believe that online relationships and friendships hold the same level of significance as those formed in person.
Jason Gaguan stated, “We observe remarkably similar patterns among female and male users, not only in their journey on dating apps but also in their desired outcomes, which, in this case, is the establishment of meaningful relationships. This common objective shared between genders will continue to drive the growth of dating platforms, fostering trust, increasing usage, and expanding the category as a whole.”
Agile Data Solutions, through its innovative data-gathering platform, Hustle PH, remains committed to exploring and analyzing cultural trends in order to assist businesses and individuals in making well-informed decisions.
For access to the complete research findings, please visit https://www.agiledatasolutions.tech/_files/ugd/f08a78_a32f1e633236468da522ae9aed0224e9.pdf.
