NEW YORK — Be careful who you match with — nearly half of single Americans who use dating apps have lied about something on their dating profile, according to new research.
The new survey of 2,004 single Americans who have used a dating app found that 47 percent have intentionally stretched the truth or misrepresented themselves while swiping. Researchers say this practice was slightly more prevalent among male respondents than female respondents (51% vs. 44%).
As for what people are fibbing about most? Oddly, it turns out a user’s current hairstyle is the most common thing people lie about on their dating profile (61%). We’re not quite sure why (or how) someone would misrepresent their hair either, but hey, we just report these results, folks. Meanwhile, BSing about one’s career came in second (55%).
One in four of all those polled have even lied about their height on their profiles.
Which dating apps reign supreme?
As part of the campaign, OnePoll also produced a quiz looking to test Americans’ knowledge of the online dating world. Among the respondents, Tinder and Match.com were found to be the two most popular dating services in their rotation.
Tinder was found to be the most ideal service for people looking to find something more on the casual side (53%). If you’re looking to settle down and get into a serious relationship, however, the poll found that Match.com is the best option (36%), followed by eHarmony (35%).
In a typical week, the average respondent matches with five potential dating partners on apps and websites. The average respondent also goes on about three dates per month with their dating app and website matches.
Singles go on plenty of bad dates!
Unfortunately, only a third of these dates (36%) are actually any good, according to singles. Fifteen percent of those polled say they only consider about one in 10 dates to be good dates.
This is especially discouraging considering the average respondent also spends 16 hours per week swiping and browsing other dating profiles. Even though dating apps and websites are more convenient than putting yourself out there in the real world, they may not be the end-all-be-all.
Four in 10 respondents say they actually connect more strongly with people they meet outside of dating apps and 47 percent hope they meet their eventual partner out in the real world instead.
Are you an expert in the world of swiping? Prove it by taking the quiz!
Survey methodology:
This random double-opt-in survey of 2,004 single Americans who have ever used a dating app was commissioned by OnePoll between November 2 and November 15, 2022. It was conducted by market research company OnePoll, whose team members are members of the Market Research Society and have corporate membership to the American Association for Public Opinion Research (AAPOR) and the European Society for Opinion and Marketing Research (ESOMAR).