LONDON — More than half of single adults feel empowered to call out bad dating behavior, as they find it frustrating and exhausting. A poll of 4,000 British singletons, who are actively dating, reveals that 28 percent are tired of negative experiences when looking for love, while 33 percent get easily irritated.
Being ghosted without explanation (43%), getting stood up on a date (40%) and receiving unsolicited nude pictures (40%) are some of the main irks of those polled. This has led to 44 percent doubting they will ever meet that someone special, while 35 percent say their confidence is negatively impacted.
As a result, 54 percent are ready to call out these unnecessary behaviors, with 74 percent planning a “spring clean” to improve their overall dating experience. Nearly half (49%) point to ‘knowing their self-worth’ as the reason they are comfortable calling out undesirable dating behaviors.
And 26 percent will be un-matching or unfollowing any potential love interests if they don’t fit the bill.
The research was commissioned by dating app, Plenty of Fish, which has partnered with author and life coach, Michelle Elman, to create the Desirable Dating Guide. “Helping daters understand and navigate different behaviors on their dating journey is something I’m really passionate about,” says Elman, in a statement. “The guide highlights some of the negative behaviors and experiences that can occur in the dating world, while also shining a light on how singles can enact some positive change.”
Receiving unsolicited nude pictures proves a prevalent issue, as nearly half of singles (48%) have previously been sent unsolicited pictures from a match or date making them feel uncomfortable and disgusted (45%).
The average app user has received an average of five nude pictures in their dating history, with this happening more to women (55%), than men (38%).
How to navigate dating apps
Taking matters into their own hands, 46 percent will now always trust their instincts and immediately end the conversation if they have any doubts about their match. What’s more, 19 percent will share a potential date’s details with friends and family in advance, according to the study, carried out via OnePoll.
“We’re encouraging daters to reflect on their experiences, and hope to foster a culture where online dating is both respectful and rewarding, and offer advice for how people can show up as their best, authentic selves while on the journey,” adds Elman.
But 69 percent would like to see dating apps continue to do more to encourage positive behaviors with 72 percent of women sharing this sentiment.
One of the top ways singles are spring cleaning their love life is to be kind and respectful to anyone they come into contact with, making sure the experience remains positive (47 per cent). When it comes to how respondents act on dating apps, 44 percent will represent themselves in a true and authentic way, while 38 percent will make sure their profile is as accurate as possible.
Other personal improvements to be made include exercising more regularly (58%), getting more sleep (55%) and prioritizing self-care (52%). This helps you and your dating game, as 82 percent agree the benefits of self-improvement can lead to greater self-awareness and success when dating.
“Providing a welcoming dating destination for singles is of the utmost importance to us,” says resident dating expert for the dating app, Shannon Smith. “The realities of dating can bring lots of highs and lows, but we believe it should be a fun experience. Dating is an opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals and get out of your comfort zone.”
