Biggest ‘icks’ in online dating revealed: users swipe left in 31 seconds
A recent study has shed light on the dating app habits of Americans and reveals what makes or breaks a potential match.
The study surveyed 1,000 American adults who had used a dating app in the past year and looked at the biggest “misery” people experience.
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Icks are sudden feelings of disgust or revulsion caused by the actions of another.
These can be all kinds of annoyances, from serious complaints, such as the way someone smells, to smaller and dubious complaints, such as talking too much or taking too many selfies.
The research, conducted by Forbes Health in collaboration with Talker researchalso investigated which characteristics make someone more likely to swipe right.
Research has shown that first impressions matter, especially on your dating profile.
The average time it takes for someone to decide whether to swipe right or left is nearly two and a half minutes.
Interestingly, nearly a quarter of respondents said they spend only 31 to 60 seconds evaluating a profile, while 21% spend one to two minutes.
A smaller group, just 20%, admitted that it took them more than five minutes to make a decision.
However, only 12% said they could make a decision in less than 30 seconds.
The study also found that there are gender differences in dating app behavior.
Women are more likely than men to share screenshots of potential matches with friends, with 51% of women admitting to doing so, compared to 44% of men.
Generational differences were also clearly visible, with 62% of Gen Z users sharing profiles that caught their attention, compared to only 32% of baby boomers on dating apps.
Since you only have a few minutes to make a lasting impression, it’s important to avoid common nasties.
The research revealed what the biggest turn-offs are in dating profiles.
Negativity or bitterness in a bio tops the list at 70%, followed by overly edited or filtered photos at 63%.
Other major deterrents included an emphasis on material possessions (62%), a noticeable lack of effort in writing the profile, and poor grammar and spelling (60%).
On the other hand, certain features make users more likely to swipe right.
According to the research, a good sense of humor is the most attractive trait, with 82% of respondents citing this as a reason for having a sense of humor.
Other attractive qualities include showing hobbies, interests or pastimes, with 80% agreeing, while 70% said they had a good sense of style.
The Disadvantages of a Relationship with a Large Age Gap
Dr. Jenn Mann, MFT, a licensed therapist, explains the top issues facing romantic partners with a large age gap.
According to Dr. Mann, things can be tense at first if one partner is much younger than the other, as is the case with Bill Belichick, 72, and Jordon Hudson, 24, who have an age difference of 48 years.
“As people get older, they may find it refreshing to have a young woman look at them with admiration, be attracted to them, and be interested in them,” Doctor Mann told The US Sun.
“[But] There is a huge gap in life experience – in just a few years on this planet – in the way we evolve, develop and mature.”
“Even the most mature young people, when there is a 40 year age difference, the older ones are incredibly immature.
“You don’t meet each other halfway when it comes to development and life experience.”
According to Dr. Mann, a common consideration for older male partners is that the younger woman wants a father figure.
“Usually, younger women are attracted to much older men because of unresolved issues with their fathers,” Dr. Mann adds.
“This could be a lack of attention or love, or a lack of someone’s presence, or even a lack of someone in the household, but not in the way she would like it to be.”
Dr. Mann noted that sexual and intimacy issues may come into play, as the older partner may not have as much energy.
In addition, it is “typically more difficult for older men to get and maintain an erection,” she said.
“There are problems with sexual performance, which can carry other risks if you are taking sexual performance medications.”
Dr. Mann stated that socially, problems can arise between a couple when they interact with friends from different generations.
“In this case, if they’re hanging out with Bill’s friends who are in their 70s, 60s or 50s, a 24-year-old woman at that table is probably going to have a hard time finding common ground socially,” she said.
By Emma Bussey
Interest in travel was also highest at 71%, while 65% of people swiped to find a match if a photo included a pet.
To stand out on dating apps, experts recommend being specific in describing yourself.
Instead of vague statements like “I love to travel,” users should explain what they love about traveling. This will make their profile more memorable and attract like-minded people.
Cynthia Shaw, a licensed clinical psychologist, advises to be genuine and enthusiastic when you start a conversation. Try to present yourself respectfully, assertively, and curiously toward the person you are reaching out to.
