6 Dating App Tips for People Who Hate Online Dating

Online dating and being on the apps is a new norm of our culture, but it’s taken the dating world by storm. Between trying to date during the pandemic and the digital age being in full swing, dating apps have become all but required for putting yourself out there, no matter how old you are, how new you are to dating or even how you feel about the social internet. It can be hard to find dating app tips that are truly helpful.

If you’re someone who hates online dating, you’re not alone. Plenty of people find it impersonal and awkward, while others would simply rather not be on their phones quite so often. Regardless of your reasoning for not loving the apps, here are a few dating app tips to help you be your most authentic self and use them for what they’re intended to be — a means to an end.

1. Use Realistic Photos

Everybody has the impulse to use the photos that make them look absolutely the best — and you definitely should! However, it’s worth noting that using realistic photos of yourself and varying kinds of photos you include can help you come across as a fully dimensional person. For example, using all posed photos might show off your best angles, but including a few photos of you pursuing your passions, hanging out with your friends or even in a candid shot might express a bit more of your personality.

2. Offer Specific Details About Your Interests

Although it might hurt to recognize this, everybody can say they love “adventure” and that they’re looking for “genuine connections.” If you are looking for a partner, or even something a bit more casual, it’s not just important to know a general idea of what you’re looking for, what specifics about you and what kinds of people you want to connect with. Talk about your hobbies, your favorite books, your favorite travel destinations and other details like that. These are all ways that you can start conversations and build connections. Even though it might be difficult to put yourself out there, the more specific you are, the more you appeal to people that will actually take an interest in you.

3. Express Your Personality In Your Profile

Although the two points above touch on this a bit, it’s worth noting that expressing your personality, your wit, your sense of humor and your interests at a specific level is extremely beneficial when setting up your profile. Don’t be afraid to be silly with your bio or your responses to questions if that’s your style! Anything to show off who you are and how you talk in real life.

4. Say More Than “Hey”

Unfortunately, there are probably a million people who start their conversations on dating apps with “Hey,” or “Hi,” or even “What’s up?” And the thing about these is that they’re generic and boring. If you really want to catch someone’s attention and get away from the app experience, it’s important to start a real conversation with them. Comment on something about their profile, ask them a question about themself or even give them a personalized compliment! That way, you’ll communicate that you’re paying attention to them and that you want to pursue a genuine conversation.

5. Remember It Isn’t a Game

One of the most common complaints that many people have about dating apps is that they can feel impersonal — almost like a game. Even though you need to swipe through people and you have the opportunity to filter through certain traits, it’s important to remember that these are real people you’re swiping through. Dating apps aren’t a game, especially if you truly want to use them as a means to an end to start dating and find people.

6. Offer Up Those Digits!

Of course, if you really want to use dating apps for their intended purpose, the best way to stop the app part and begin the dating part is by switching off the app and onto a more natural form of communication. That’s right, we’re talking about offering up your phone number and setting up a real date. You can even do this soon after you match with somebody to let them know that you truly are interested.

The Best Dating App Tips

Although dating online might not be your very first choice, you can still use it to meet people and form genuine connections. Whether you are on the hunt for a meaningful relationship or you would rather date around and explore more casual interactions, you can explore everything that the apps have to offer and eventually make your way into the real world once again!