Is Online Dating for You?

Cupids arrows are flying during the month of February and people are celebrating love or looking for someone to love. The use of virtual dating tools such as video calls has skyrocketed as dating app users continue to look for ways to connect, date, and stave off boredom.

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Dating app companies have been retooling and adding features and events to encourage users to not just meet, but to actively conduct dates both online and via their apps. Companies such as Bumble and Match Group -- which owns a variety of platforms including Tinder, Hinge, Match, and Plenty of Fish -- reported increased use of apps as the outbreak continues to spread across the United States. Last may vacation rental service Airbnb announced it was partnering with Bumble to highlight virtual dating options as part of its Online Experiences feature. Online Experiences gives users free or inexpensive virtual dating experiences around the world. The options range from magic shows to wine classes.

As the pandemic continued last, more people became open to online dating. In one user survey, Match Group found that 69% of singles said they were open to video chatting during quarantine, as compared to only 6% of singles who were using video to meet a potential date before the pandemic. So how about you? Have you tried virtual dating, are you more open to it? Let us know in our comment section.

Whether you are looking to settle down or just meet a few new people, these are some of the top app and dating sites.

1
Bumble
What is unique about Bumble is that there is a timer limit. Bumble is more designed for women as they are the first ones that have to send a message. If the recipient does not respond within a certain time you lose that match. This may seem a little stressful for some, but it offers the opportunity to see who is really serious about dating. Many times the female is waiting for a message and connections are never made, however, Bumble gives women the reigns on controlling their love life and who is in it.
2
Hinge
Hinge is the dating app that has really made its way to the top. Hinge is the app to use if you are looking for something serious and long lasting. It gives you the opportunity to make your profile more useful with information. This information could either make you want to match with someone or be a deal breaker. Whether you want to share your political views, religion, interest in having kids, even your alcohol consumption. Hinge gives you the chance to really get to know someone by their profile, and be able to engage from it.
3
eHarmony
eHarmony is a dating site for people who are looking for a very serious relationship. Compared to the other dating apps this site comes at a hefty price. They claim to be almost scientifically proven to find your significant other. Although there is a monthly fee many people do succeed in finding a potential partner. Every site comes with complaints, but they do keep track of everything you do on the site and sometimes there are low matches.
4
Match
Match has one of the biggest memberships in online dating. Although there is a monthly subscription you can try out the site for free to see how you like it. They offer 24/7 technical support and security for any of your needs. They really go out of their way to help you connect with people you will enjoy talking to. If you want something serious and legitimate Match.com is where to go, they offer an extensive profile including location, children, longest relationship time, religion, etc.