What Does “Swipe Left” Mean?

In real life, it’s hard to say “no” to someone who’s flirting with you. But in the online world, you can do this simply by swiping left.

This simple gesture, popularized by dating apps like Tinder, allows you to quickly express indifference toward someone new. You don’t need to explain why you’re not interested in a certain profile, and the other party also doesn’t know how many people have rejected them.

But does swiping really work?

Yes, it does, at least according to Tinder. This app claims that its swiping game creates 1.5 million Tinder dates every week. It’s no surprise that most online dating apps now use the swiping mechanism to create matches.

Let’s explore how swiping works, the strategy for swiping effectively, and what you can expect in the future when it comes to finding love online.

How It Works | Tips for Success | Future Trends

Most single people are preoccupied with a demanding job and an active social life. Add hours of commute time to the equation, and single professionals barely have time to unwind after work, let alone spend hours searching for a partner.

That’s why online dating sites and apps are popular. Their swiping tools don’t ask for much time and effort.

Swiping is Fast Paced

Singles spend less than a minute (often less than 10 seconds) looking at a dating profile before swiping to the next one.

For some, swiping becomes a relaxing pastime. After a long day, you can just sit back, watch Netflix, and start swiping. It’s fun to judge others from afar, and then when you get a match,  you can chat to see if you enjoy the vibe. 

Some of your connections may invite you for a coffee date and viola, you get a new date without having to leave the comfort of your home.

Algorithms Reinforce Like Patterns

Every online app wants its users to stay as long as possible. That’s why most algorithms are designed to learn what you like on the app and give you more of it. 

Singles spend less than a minute (often less than 10 seconds) looking at a dating profile before swiping to the next one.

Dating app algorithms analyze your behavior, preferences, and interactions to suggest profiles that align with your past choices. If you like what you see on the app, hopefully, you’ll stay engaged and active.

This smart algorithm also provides personalized experiences. For example, compare your YouTube account with your dad’s. You probably have different recommended videos based on your preferences.

There’s Always Another Profile Waiting

With millions of users in the database, you can’t expect to meet everyone, much less have conversations with them. Online daters don’t want to connect with everyone; they want to find the right person who suits them. This is where the filter tool comes in handy, as it narrows down your matches.

When you connect with a new person, don’t wait too long to set up your first coffee date. Meeting someone in person is more useful than chatting for weeks.

However, even if everything lines up perfectly, there’s still a possibility that online dating apps won’t work for you. If that’s the case, you can try different services, tweak your photos and bios, or change your filters to broaden your dating pool.

You should know that your swiping strategy is important for your success in online dating. Here are some tips to boost your chances of someone swiping right on you:

1. Make Your Profile Pop

Your main profile picture should be a selfie with your smiling face in front of the camera. Include a mix of close-ups, full-body shots, and pictures of you hanging out. 

• Don’t wear a mask or sunglasses in the photos.
• Use positive language to showcase what you love about life. 
• Keep your profile fresh by regularly updating your photos and bio. 

Craft a bio that highlights your personality, your interests, and what you’re looking for on the app. Not sure what to say? Use AI to create a basic bio, then tweak it to your liking.

2. Remember, It’s a Numbers Game

I used to think online dating sites and apps were magical tools to find love. But after spending six months hanging out on Bumble, I learned that getting a date isn’t as easy as making a match.

You must talk to several people on the app because only a handful of them may agree to meet you for a coffee date. I talked to 50 people and ended up with only four coffee dates.

Online dating is indeed a numbers game, and it requires a lot of tenacity. 

The more profiles you swipe through, the better your chances of finding a compatible match. You must chat with gusto and use your best judgment to see if you hit it off.

3. Give a New Person a Chance to Surprise You

The ability to swipe on matches comes with a fatal flaw: snap judgments.

We encourage single people to expose themselves to different kinds of people if their existing dating pool isn’t providing suitable matches.

Giving a new person a chance can lead to a more successful dating experience. When you hang out with someone, pay attention to how they make you feel.

If you want a long-term relationship, choose a loyal and reliable partner who makes you feel safe.

4. Don’t Get Discouraged & Give Up

It’s easy to get discouraged after a few rejections or unsuccessful matches. But you have to keep going. Here are some tips to keep you going on your online love quest:

• Read online dating success stories. You can find inspiration online by hearing from someone who met their partner online. Their experiences can motivate you to stay in the swipe game.
• Learn from every match. Every interaction, even if it doesn’t lead to a date, is an opportunity to learn. The more you swipe, the more you can hone your online dating skills.
• Consider trying several platforms to find your favorite. Don’t give up too soon just because you had a bad experience on one platform. 

Stay positive regardless of the ups and downs of online dating. It really works for some singles – and all it takes is some persistence and patience.

Looking ahead, our dating experts see a lot of reasons to be optimistic about the future of swipe apps. Here are some innovations to keep an eye on.

Will Online Dating Burnout Kill Swiping?

Online dating burnout is a phenomenon that many users experience after prolonged periods of swiping, messaging, and meeting new people. If checking your dating app feels like a chore, you might be experiencing burnout.

Even if it’s frustrating, our dating experts don’t think swiping culture will disappear any time soon. Some people might get tired of online dating, but there’s always a new batch of people who are first-timers and find online dating exciting because it’s new to them.

If you’re one of those people who are starting to resent online dating, here are some tips for you:

• Take breaks. Uninstall the app for a while if that will make you feel better.
• Set realistic expectations. Your matches are strangers, so don’t expect too much from them at first.
• Focus on quality over quantity. 

It’s easy to swipe right on a lot of people, but if you say yes to everyone without thinking, you might not enjoy many of the chats in your inbox. Be selective and thoughtful as you hit that like button.

Can AI Tools Offer Better Support & Recommendations?

With the rapid advancement of technology, artificial intelligence (AI) has the potential to enhance the user experience for online daters. Today’s dating apps offer better profiles, suggest conversation starters, and even identify patterns to give users what they want.

AI-driven features can help if you have questions. We’re all familiar with chatbots and virtual assistants that answer your questions quickly and give you advice online.

However, remember that nothing replaces genuine connection. Once you connect with someone, be authentic.

Even if they end up not liking your personality, that’s better than pretending to be someone else just to get into a relationship.

Is Video the Saving Grace of Swipe Life?

Online dating scammers are a challenge. They are getting more sophisticated with their catfishing profiles and are giving online dating a bad rap.

One way to combat fake profiles is through video calls. Many major players in the online dating scene offer this feature. Plus, a video call doesn’t require you to exchange phone numbers.

Uploading a short video to introduce yourself can likewise be a good strategy to attract matches.

People can see how you talk and present yourself in a more organic way over a video call. 

Thanks to Tinder, the concept of swiping has revolutionized the way we approach strangers in a romantic setting. Some people might lose interest in swiping and leaving their dogs for another dead-end coffee date.

But that doesn’t mean online dating is dead. As technology evolves, the Next Big Thing could be waiting to revitalize the online dating scene. If you’re tired of swiping, try different ways to meet someone new. Your person is waiting for you — you just have to find them. Good luck!