If you are a shy individual, or in other words, an introvert, then online dating is a huge deal for you. Thankfully, with today’s advanced technology you don’t need to climb outside of the box to find someone you want to spend the rest of your life with. How do dating apps work? They allow you to use your phone to connect with people in the same city. There are different apps for different users so you have to find the right one for you.
The landscape of technology has not only changed the way people communicate and do business but has also changed the way people date. Not too long ago before dating sites came along, people used to meet their soul mates through work, friends or ads placed on newspapers.
However, today things have changed.
A recent study conducted by Statistic Brain Research Institute revealed that 19% of single adults in the US have registered on online dating service. The study also went on to say that at least one out of five relationships in the US begins online. The study also estimated that by 2040, 70% of adults in the US will have met their partners through dating sites.
There are almost 8,000 active dating sites around the world and about 1,000 new online dating sites are launched every year. The US alone has over 2,500 dating sites. So the big question is: How Do Dating Apps Work? In this article, we are going to review top dating apps as well as tell you how they work.
Zoosk
If you are looking at finding a date that is either in your area, or miles, seas, and towns away, then Zoosk could be for you.
Although Zoosk is free to sign up for, you will need to purchase a paid subscription in order to be able to interact with other people using the dating app. For a one-month membership, it will charge you $29.95. For a three-month membership, it will be about $19.98 per month, with a total of $59.95. Finally, for a six-month membership, it will charge you $12.49 per month totaling $74.95.
Don’t get me wrong, the sign-up process is extremely easy, but it does take time to learn how to work the site. You are also required to have a Facebook account to be able to have a Zoosk account. Always remember to be safe when using any dating site, because, especially with Zoosk, there are plenty of fake accounts.
Pros
- The layout is really nice and easy to use
- Mobile app works well and there are a ton of users
Cons
- The search function is not great because you have to search profiles one by one
Tinder
Tinder is an online dating app that matches singles who are looking for soul mates. The app notifies you, other Tinder users who fall within your age range, preferred physical attraction and gender as well as within your locality. This app can help you get a partner who has all the qualities that you are looking for.
The concept that Tinder uses is simple. First, two users have to declare an interest before contacting each other. If two users swipe right, then it means that they are interested in each other and hence will be able to communicate via the apps. This feature prevents the likelihood of somebody approaching you cold. Once you have made some few matches, you can chat with them as many times as you would like through the tinder’s messaging system. You use this system to send links, texts, and GIF. However, Tinder does not allow users to share photos via the app for safety reasons.
If you want to enjoy more features that this app offers, then you need to subscribe for Tinder plus or Tinder gold. This will allow you to enjoy more exclusive features including the ability to rewind your last swipe, access to unlimited likes, one free boost per month, ability to swipe around the globe instead of being limited to your locality among many others. Prices for tinder plus and tinder gold are US $14.99 and US $19.99 respectively.
Pros
- Has a user-friendly interface that is easy to use
- It is location-based meaning that it enables people to date as soon as they like each other
- It has huge databases meaning that you will have plenty of options to choose from.
Cons
- Men have more options than women.
Elite Singles
If you are a picky individual, then Elite Singles will work for you the best. Of course, there is a free version of this dating app, however, for more and better features you will need to purchase the upgrades available.
An upgrade that will last you three months will be $57.95 each month. A six-month upgrade will charge you $44.95 per month. Finally, for a whole year, you will be charged $31.95 each month. This is one of the most pricey dating apps out there. Elite singles, unlike most dating apps, have lower chances for its users to be catfished.
This online dating tool has a questionnaire that mostly covers your type of personality. It asks you questions other than just your personality, which focus more on how important they are and if they really matter to you.
Most of Elite Singles users are business professionals, and they often look for other professionals just like their selves.
Pros
- Like eHarmony this has a detailed matching system
- Privacy is excellent
Cons
- Not much you can do free on the app
- Sign-up is longer then most people would like
Hinge
Hinge is a dating app that helps singles find long-term and meaningful relationships. In 2017, this app released a new update that abandoned their old swiping format used by most of their competitors including Tinder. Instead of swiping, the app requires you to scroll in a vertical format.
How it works
You first need to download the app and create your own account. To help you find the best possible match, you will be required to submit personal information such as your height, education level, hobbies among many others. The next step is choosing the right photos for your profile. This dating app requires you to upload six photos. Uploading high-quality pictures that are attractive will increase your chances of finding your perfect match. The next step is filling out your prompts then start to search your future soul mate.
The free version of hinge only allows you to access limited features. If you want to enjoy all exclusive features that this dating app offers, then you need to subscribe for a premium membership that cost US$7 per month
Pros of hinge
- The app is not just for hookups but for people who are looking for serious relationships
- Hinge profile has substance
- The app allows you to interact with your dates profile direly instead of swiping.
Cons
- The free version has limited features
- Most Hinge users are have also registered on other dating apps.
eHarmony
For those of you who are looking for someone you want to marry, then eHarmony is for you. The signing up process is fairly long, but it is free. However, to be able to communicate with other singles you will have to pay a specific amount depending on the bundle you choose.
The longer you want your membership, the cheaper you pay.
One month, eHarmony will charge you $59.95.
Six months, you will be charged $42.95 each month.
Twelve months, you will have to pay $25.95 each month.
Finally, for twenty-four months, you will be charged $10.95 per month.
As mentioned earlier, this is pretty pricey. Although, eHarmony has helped many different people find their special someone and it is one of the most known brands.
Pros
- 15 years of data and a compatibility system that is amazing
Cons
- Pretty expensive compared to other dating sites
- They have a limited number of matches
The League
The League dating app was originally designed for successful people. The key entry to this dating app is being successful in what you do. To get started, you need to sign up to the app via your LinkedIn and Facebook account. Much of your personal information will be obtained from your social media sites but you have to upload 6 photos and well as complete the about us section. Every day at happy hour, you will be receiving a new batch of potential to swipe through. You can filter potential prospects by age, education, race, and religion.
The league is a free dating app. However, to access more features, you need to upgrade by paying US$99 per month to become a league member or owner.
Pros
- Every use is subjected to a thorough vetting
- It prioritizes users who log in frequently
Cons
- You only get a limited number of dates per date
- It requires time and commitment in order to find your match
Anomo
Another affordable online dating tool is Anomo.
Although Anomo may not be something we hear about on a daily basis, Anomo is just another online dating app that has discovered many couples and has helped people find their significant others.
Anomo is a really, fun and free dating app with no upgrades. You get all the special effects without having to pay for anything.
Anomo is also one of the best apps for introverts. It uses a questionnaire to help match you with other users. However, Anomo is one of the easiest dating apps to get catfished from. Look out!
The app also uses an avatar instead of a photo for the profile picture.
Pros
- Have a cool game called ice breaker to meet new people
- When you are in the app you can see new users that join
Cons
- If you are looking for younger or older connections this app matches only users in the same age group. If you are a 30-year-old looking for a 40-year-old it may be tough
Coffee Meets Bagel
If you were not a big fan of Tinder, then Coffee Meets Bagel will not be a favorite of yours because it is very similar to Tinder.
There is a free version with using this app, but similar to the apps mentioned above, for an upgrade, you will be charged.
The premium version of the app will charge you $35 per month.
This is another expensive dating tool but remember that there is a free version that you could utilize.
The questionnaire for Coffee Meets Bagel is more about personal information and not your personality type. Questions include things like your ethnicity, age, height, and your religion.
Another good factor of Coffee Meets Bagel is that they limit the number of matches you are offered a day, forcing you to actually consider each and every match.
Pros
- Very easy user guide with great tutorials
- Use the app more and the more points you get which helps out your success on the site
- Females love this app
Cons
- It’s a friend of friend app so old flames may come into the mix and get awkward
AdultFriendFinder
Another online dating app that many individuals find useful is AdultFriendFinder.
AdultFriendFinder has a free version, but its special and advanced features are a little more pricey.
One month, AdultFriendFinder will charge you $32.39.
Three months, you will be charged $21.58 per month.
For a whole year, you will be required to pay $14.56 each and every month.
However, this dating app is more for individuals who are into hooking up, or for those who are horny almost 24/7. There are many users of this app, so be aware of any fake profiles and users.
Pros
- A ton of options and methods of sexual expression webcams, blogs and more
- A large and loyal base of members
Con
- They do not have a matching system based on data
- No data on male to female members on the site
Bumble
Bumble is another online dating app, for anyone and everyone.
This is more of an affordable dating app, even for its advanced features. There is a free version, but for a premium bundle, you would be charged $9.99 each and every month you choose to have those features.
If you are a big fan of Tinder, then you will enjoy using Bumble because they are very similar. However, connections expire after twenty-four hours unless you keep up with the conversations.
Just like many dating apps, there are many fake profiles and users, so again, stay for the lookout. Bumble works for all kinds of people, whether you are an introvert, extrovert, LGBTQ, everyone is welcome on Bumble.
Pros
- You can use this app for casual connections or meet new friends
- The 24-hour app set up with limited time does help females to be more active on the site
Cons
- Profiles you cannot put much information because they are picture-centric
- Men do not have much control on this app for their dating experience
Grindr
Grindr is a dating app for men and gender non-conforming people on the LGBTQ community.
How it works
Install this app on your smartphone. Fill out the form including your email address, birth date among many others.
Choose your preferred signup method (either Facebook or Google account)
Create your own profile by uploading a photo and writing a short bio about yourself
Use the app to find your perfect match.
This app free for all users. However, to access more features then you have to subscribe for the premium version that costs US$9.99 per month
Pros
- The app has a simple interface that is easy to use
- It has a wealth of match options to choose from
Cons
- Potential matches are only shown via geo-location.
Match.com
The original, and the first dating site to ever be created, match.com.
This dating app was created for everyone and this is where all of the other dating sites based their sites off of.
Match.com is for individuals that actually want a serious life long relationship and not just someone to spend their Friday or Saturday night with. Unfortunately, nothing is free in today’s society. Similarly, to Zoosk, joining match.com is free, however, it will charge you $20 per month, and for extra sources within the app, it will charge you a little more.
Don’t forget, there is also a free trial that comes along with this app.
You must go through a long process of verification; however, this is for your safety and for other users on match.com to make sure there aren’t any fake accounts or users.
Pros
- The site has a great search function that is easy to use
- The site is always improving for the customer to help you find better matches
Cons
- Cost is pretty high
Plenty of Fish
After giving you a few pricey options, POF is a completely free, online dating app that you could probably utilize depending on the type of person you are.
Plenty of Fish has a lengthy questionnaire, about seventy questions, that you are to complete during the process of making your profile. Although the questions are only about you, they do require some deep thinking about who you really are.
Just like many dating apps, Plenty of Fish has many different users, so don’t stress not being able to find someone due to the number of people available on this dating app. However, Plenty of Fish is not bisexual friendly. As I mentioned earlier, this is a free app, but there are upgrades that are offered to better your experience. This app is available for iPhone and Android users, and there is also a desktop site as well.
Pros
- A very popular app with a large member base
- The search feature is great
Cons
- This is a free site so matching is basic
- Many dating sites have a chat area but PlentyofFish does not
Feeld
Feeld is a location-based dating app that allows open-minded singles to interact and find their perfect match.
How it works
First, you need to sign up through Facebook. The entire registration process is simple and will take less than a minute. Once you are done with the registration process, you will instantly get match suggestions. You can use the search filter option to control who appears on your contract proposal. One unique feature that makes this app stand out is its ability to create a group chat.
This app is also very simple and easy to use. The app does not ask you many complicated questions as it is usually the case with other dating apps. It is suitable for all people including the LGBTQ. This dating app is free. However, to enjoy more exclusive features, then you have to subscribe to the premium version that cost $11.99 per month.
Pros
- It has a wide variety of gender options than most dating apps
- The site allows people to register as singles or couples
Cons
- Photo sharing has a lot of restrictions
- About 30% of users don’t upload real photos
OkCupid
Millions of people have successfully found their significant other using OKCupid.
This app is downloaded by millions and millions of users each week, resulting in millions of users.
OkCupid is mostly free, however, for advanced features, you will have to pay a bill each and every month.
One month, you will be charged $19.95.
Three months, OKCupid will charge you $14.95 per month.
The cheapest, if you purchase the six-month bundle, you will be charged $9.95 each month.
There is a questionnaire for OKCupid, however, the questions are not all about you and your type of personality. The questions are more about your opinionated, or conflicted events like gun control and if you would tolerate living with someone who owns a gun.
OkCupid is more for extroverts, and not introverts. Always remember, that dating apps can have some risk. OkCupid has some fake accounts and users, therefore, be cautious with your conversations and what kind of information you give them.
Pros
- The layout works well
- Upgrading to A list is a good idea for what you get
- Cost is economical
Cons
- Other apps have more users in remote areas
Happn
Created by a French company, Happn is a dating app that helps to match singles who have actually crossed paths in real life.
To get your perfect match all that you need do is create your own account, set your customized profile then start crushing. Just like most adding an app, you will need to match with someone before you start to chat. If you want to enjoy more features including hiding yourself from other people queues and hiding ads, then you need to go for the premium subscription that will cost you US$9.17
Pros
- It automatically syncs with your social media network, a factor that limits spammers
- It is a free dating app
Cons
- The app is highly dependent on geographical location
Conclusion
You can easily find your special someone within your comfort zone. However, you can’t just start looking for the love of your life using any of the thousand online dating apps that exist. You simply have to pick the right one for you and the app that will benefit you the most. Hopefully, the apps provided are the dating apps that will fit your personality, but it will also be within your budget. Pick the app or two that best fits your needs and go through the sign-up process to meet someone new.