Ah, dating. If you came of age earlier than the mid-2000s, you probably met most of your dates at a coffee shop, bar or through mutual friends. Then dating apps entered the chat.
Today if you're in the dating pool, chances are you've swiped right (or left) at least once in your quest to find a romantic connection. At Helzberg Diamonds, we've been around for more than a century, which means we've seen all the dating trends, from more traditional courting in the 1920s all the way to the digital dating of the 2020s.
To learn more about today's dating, we surveyed 1,000 singles on the hunt to find their other half. Here's what our research uncovered.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
67% of respondents said they've used a dating app before. Tinder is the most commonly used app singles seek out, followed by Plenty of Fish and Bumble.
Over half of the respondents (52%) feel that singles are hoping to meet a potential partner in real life rather than on the apps.
More than 68% of respondents say that dishonesty on the dating apps is the biggest challenge of dating in 2023.
40% of those surveyed said they have a hard time getting from the point of conversation online to the actual date.
60% of singles say they attempt to meet potential partners in real life, however, through friends or acquaintances.
DATING IN 2023
Dating in 2023 can be a real head-scratcher when you're determining the best route to jumpstart your romantic life. Do you try your hand at IRL meetups, or do you automatically go to the apps? Survey says a bit of both, actually.
While more than half our survey respondents said they've met potential partners using dating apps, more than half also hope to meet a potential partner in real life.
So the truth about dating is pretty in line with the classic 1998 rom-com “You've Got Mail”: Those in the dating pool in 2023 often rely on a multilayered approach when trying to find their perfect match (just without the AOL dial-up we left behind in the early 2000s).
USING DATING APPS
Dating apps are a dime a dozen with cutesy — and sometimes spicy — names like Match, Plenty of Fish, Grindr, HER, Coffee Meets Bagel and OKCupid. And while more than 67% of singles say they've used a dating app, 45% of those would rate their experience at a 5 or below, with 1 being horrible and 10 being great. So plenty of meh in those meet-cutes.
Why dating apps, then? Respondents cited two main reasons: the convenience and accessibility of partners, as well as the larger pool of potential mates. Plus, 54% of those surveyed did report that they've found a partner or relationship from using dating apps. Other reasons cited for using apps in the first place include specific dating preferences or niche interests, the efficiency of swiping to find a match, and the shyness and social anxiety many have when it comes to IRL meetups.
IN REAL LIFE DATING
Despite the prevalence of dating apps, though, singles haven't at all ruled out meeting potential partners in real life. In fact, 60% say they attempt it through friends and acquaintances, while another 23% seek connections through social events.
What's holding people back from face-to-face interaction? Our survey found that men are more nervous about rejection, and women tend to have anxiety about the whole IRL dating in general.
Dating apps don't have the monopoly on deception or dishonesty either. More than 75% of our respondents said they've encountered instances of dishonesty while dating in the apps and in real life.
THE LOWDOWN ON LOVE
It may not be love at first sight — or first swipe — but it's human nature to crave love, connections, touch, security … and a little romance. Our survey found that 51% of respondents felt dating in real life and using online apps offer an equal variety of potential partners. And while nearly half of those surveyed felt that the way people approach dating has changed for the worse over the past five years, there's still plenty of room for optimism!
You may still be in the friend zone, but Helzberg is here to support your journey, whether you're looking for a fabulous pair of earrings for a first date, a stunning engagement ring for a proposal or a gift to commemorate an anniversary, no matter how your dating story began. Shop online, or visit us in real life to find your perfect jewelry match!