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NEW YORK — First impressions are everything when it comes to dating apps. That doesn’t just apply to good things — Americans also have a long list of dating fouls that simply make them go “ick!”
A new survey has uncovered the top profile “icks” (a sudden feeling of disgust or dislike) associated with dating profiles — as well as what makes someone more inclined to match. The Forbes Health survey polled 1,000 U.S. adults who have used a dating app within the last year and found that the average person takes nearly two-and-a-half minutes to decide if they’ll match with a potential date. In fact, a whopping 20% of respondents said it takes them more than five minutes to make that call.
Almost a quarter of dating app users spend just 31 to 60 seconds assessing another user’s profile, and 21% felt one to two minutes was more their speed. However, 12% say they’re able to decide whether to swipe left or right in less than 30 seconds.
The study found that women are more likely to share screenshots of their matches’ profiles with their friends, with more than half (51%) admitting to doing this. Meanwhile, just 44% of men claim they’ve done the same. Over six in 10 (62%) of Gen Zers admit to running potential matches by their friends first. Alternatively, only 32% of baby boomers have shared profiles that caught their eye.
Given that people have about two minutes to impress someone with their dating profile, what are the biggest “icks” to avoid?
When asked which quality of a dating profile would make users more likely to choose not to match with a person, the top factors were negativity or bitterness in their bio (70%) and overly edited or filtered photos (63%). Too much emphasis on material possessions was also a big turn-off (62%), followed by the lack of effort put into their profiles (60%) and poor grammar and spelling (60%).
On the flip side, the top dating profile attribute that make a person more likely to choose to match with a person, according to the survey results, is having a good sense of humor (82%). Having hobbies, interests or pastimes was also a turn-on (80%), as well as portraying a good sense of style. Also scoring high was showing an interest in travel (71%) and featuring a pet in a photo (65%).
So, how should you pitch yourself on the apps? When you describe yourself on a dating app, think about what makes you different and get specific.
“Instead of a blank statement such as “I like to travel,” explain why or what it is that makes you enjoy traveling,” says Adelle Kelleher, a certified dating and relationship coach and founder of Coaching Hearts Consulting, in a statement. “The more specific you are, the more you stand out from the endless swiping, as well as filter people who do not share your same interests.”
When it comes to starting a conversation, be genuine and enthusiastic.
“Let’s work towards presenting ourselves as respectful, assertive, and curious to learn more about the person we are reaching out to,” adds Cynthia Shaw, a licensed clinical psychologist and owner of Authentically Living Psychological Services.
Survey Methodology
This online survey of 1,000 Americans who have used a dating app within the past year was commissioned by Forbes Health and conducted by market research company Talker Research, in accordance with the Market Research Society’s code of conduct. Data was collected from March 27 to April 1, 2024. The margin of error is +/- 3.1 points with 95% confidence. This survey was overseen by Talker Research, whose team members are members of the Market Research Society (MRS) and the European Society for Opinion and Marketing Research (ESOMAR).
