top of page

The Pickiest People on Dating Apps Revealed: ‘Impossibly High Standards’

Dating App News

High Selectivity in Online Dating Across U.S States Reveals a Trend of Superficial Criteria and Stereotype-Driven Choices.


In the ever-evolving landscape of online dating, the behaviors and preferences of users are as diverse as they are insightful. The bustling streets of New York are often seen as a microcosm of the wider dating world, with New Yorkers being considered among the most superficial daters, where appearance can often dictate the swipe direction. This discernment is not confined to the Big Apple alone, as a survey reveals that roughly 40% of users in states like California, Texas, and Pennsylvania exhibit a tendency to ignore what they perceive as unattractive profiles, a trend mirroring the high selectivity of digital dating that surpasses real-life interactions.


Physical attractiveness becomes the cornerstone of online chemistry, especially pronounced along the picturesque West Coast. This visual appraisal goes hand-in-hand with the underlying stereotypes that influence swiping decisions, where around 29% of users admit to swiping left based on preconceived notions. A deeper look into the criteria for swiping right reveals a blend of aesthetics, engaging personal bios, and shared interests, which are paramount for 28% of the user base.


In the metropolitan hubs of New York and Ohio, specific and immediate deal-breakers lead to a decisive swiping process, with 40% of Ohioans applying precise criteria before making a choice. The stringent profile preferences echo across the digital domain, where one in four users is steadfast in swiping right only on profiles that resonate with their 'type'.


This meticulous selection process, however, is a double-edged sword. While it may lead to highly tailored matches, over 25% of users have a stringent list of must-haves that culminates in a state of exhaustion and the phenomenon known as dating app fatigue. States like Pennsylvania and Washington showcase the epitome of selectiveness, further corroborated by the high standards upheld by Georgians and New Jerseyans.


The quest for the 'ideal match' is pervasive, with over half of the users holding onto this concept, albeit contributing to dating app fatigue and a hesitation to transition from online interaction to real-life meetings. The matchmaking process is not without its pitfalls, as a significant portion of users find themselves ghosted post-match, and a mere 9% report a rare occurrence of mutual attraction.


Gender differences also come into play in the digital dating arena, with men facing more challenges in garnering matches, whereas women are more likely to enforce deal-breakers. Ultimately, the high standards and exhaustive checklists, while intended to filter through the multitudes to find 'the one', may hinder the formation of meaningful connections, leading to a cyclic experience of dating fatigue.


The digital dating landscape is a complex one, balancing on the tightrope of user preferences and the inherent human desire for connection. As the online dating community continues to grow and evolve, so too does the understanding of what drives users in their quest for love, companionship, and everything in between.



bottom of page