Youth prefer mobile dating apps over matrimonial sites

Team L&M

Matrimonial websites are passé as singles across metros in India are hooking up via location based, free mobile dating applications and social media networks, claims a survey done by ASSOCHAM Social Media Foundation (ASDF) recently.

Mobile apps like Tinder, Happn, TrulyMadly, OkCupid and others operate relatively on a similar mechanism and are specifically designed for dating, people usually use their social media profile and verify their account on other networks to further enhance their credibility.

Over 1,500 people in the age group of 20-30 were contacted at 10 centres — Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chandigarh, Chennai, Delhi-NCR, Hyderabad, Indore, Kolkata, Lucknow and Mumbai.

“We are living in times of great change, today’s youth is taking control of various decisions be it related to their career, financial independence, relationships thus it comes as no surprise that are using such a platform and technology in something as important as finding a life partner,” said ASSOCHAM secretary general D.S. Rawat while releasing the findings of the survey.

“Dating apps are likely to gain much more popularity and following in the near future as they offer more choice and chances to meet people and connect with them online,” he added. “Though currently, it is at a nascent stage and not even worth Rs 500 crore with rising number of youngsters across India giving a try to online dating, it will soon become a multi-crore industry,” he said further.

A majority (around 55 per cent) of the total respondents said they had used a dating app for casual dating, meaningful relationship/ connections outside the prescribed norms and traditions. While about 20 per cent people said they were using matchmaking apps as they were more serious about finding a lasting partner. Of the remaining, about 10 per cent said they use matchmaking apps to interact socially or for networking in ways other than dating and the rest said they had no idea about such mobile apps.

Some of those who had used a dating app said they would prefer using a reliable and free dating app to find their life partner instead of using a matrimonial website or columns of a newspaper. While many even said that getting hitched through arranged marriage was both outdated and old-fashioned.

They said that a dating/ matchmaking app makes it easier for them to assess someone based on things like physical appearance, photos/ looks, age, weight, complexion, nationality/ geographic location, common interests, profession, lifestyle and others which remains totally private to them unlike profiles on matrimony portals which can also be accessed by parents looking for a suitable match for their children based on religion, caste and other related factors.

On being asked as to why they prefer or do not prefer using dating apps, majority of respondents said it is safe and secure as it allows them to maintain anonymity even though it does have the option for full disclosure, however, one is in complete control of whether or not to reveal their name, e-mail or post pictures and other personal details. Besides, there is no limit and one can connect with anyone worldwide.