In the realm of modern romance, the saying goes “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, most Filipino adults put appearance first when considering a potential partner.
The study found that 63% of men and 54% of women, aged 18 and over, say the first thing they check on a dating app profile is a photo. It emphasizes the key role that visual presentation plays in capturing initial attention and generating interest.
In addition, the research examines the aspects that users often emphasize about themselves in their dating app profiles. Surprisingly, 44% of male users and 45% of female users admit to putting more effort into their profile photos as a main 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 develops through meaningful conversations. The main difference is that online connections are made much 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. In addition, 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 women and 73% of men reported having a relationship with someone they met through an online dating app. This shows the effectiveness of these apps in improving real-life connections and developing successful romantic relationships.
Inconsistent connections
Despite the widespread accessibility of online dating, many users are wary of it due to concerns about connecting with strangers.
According to the survey, a significant number of women (34%) reported experiencing anxiety, stress, or fear when using online dating apps. This fear stems primarily from concerns about meeting individuals with evil intentions. Similarly, a significant portion of female (43%) and male (40%) respondents expressed concern about meeting individuals who express themselves on these platforms. This emphasizes the importance of authenticity and trust in establishing meaningful connections through online dating.
Jason Gaguan, who provided an explanation, stated, “After the initial attraction sparked by the profile pictures and the first conversations, we saw a similar trend of mistrust and anxiety accompanying the early stage of adoption 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 the establishing a safe space for users is the key, which is achieved through improved security measures against fraud and wider user access.
In summary, while online dating offers convenient ways to connect with others, concerns about safety and authenticity are prevalent among users. Building a safe environment and promoting trust is essential for users to feel more comfortable and confident in their online interactions.
Reclaiming space
Most men and women, six out of ten, believe that online relationships and friendships have the same level of importance as those formed in person.
Jason Gaguan stated, “We saw remarkably similar patterns among female and male users, not only in their journey with dating apps but also in their desired outcomes, which, in this case, is to build meaningful relationships. This common goal shared between the sexes will continue to drive the growth of dating platforms, improve trust, increase usage, and expand the category as a whole.
Agile Data Solutions, through its new data collection platform, Hustle PH, remains committed to researching and analyzing cultural trends to help businesses and individuals make well-informed decisions.
For access to the complete research findings, please visit https://www.agiledatasolutions.tech/_files/ugd/f08a78_a32f1e633236468da522ae9aed0224e9.pdf.
