Finding love in this day and age has changed drastically in the last few years. With the rise of technological advancements also came alternative ways for matchmaking to take place online.
Today, many available singles turn to dating sites and apps in search for meaningful relationships and even meet their potential partner, or perhaps even just for the fun of it. What was once an alternative platform has now become the go-to platform for singles looking to connect with people.
Why Do People Turn to Dating Sites?
In more recent years, we have seen a digital shift in the dating scene from firsthand in-person interactions to online matchmaking mediums, and the trend is certainly taking off and increasing in popularity. According to research, as many as one-in-three people are engaging in online dating, for various reasons that include its convenience, their lack of time to physically meet people in social settings, and even its affordability — most dating sites don’t require you to pay for the service unless you make the upgrade to a premium membership.
Dating in the Digital Space
Technology has shaped and played a part in the way we navigate dating and relationships, and internet dating is undoubtedly a 21st-century phenomenon. Tapping into the digital era has given millions of users more options and the ability to explore new horizons in modern dating.
The bottom line is that dating online has made it increasingly easy for the average person to find someone based on their personal preferences that can range from gender orientation, personal interests, religious and political views, and even their height and appearance. Saves you all the trouble, doesn’t it?
Dating Site | Tinder |
| Specialty | Tinder is one of the most popular dating apps that revolutionized the world of online dating since it was founded in 2012. You will be matched with people in your area within your specified range where you’ll be able ‘swipe right’ on them based on their picture, short bio, and common interests. To swipe right is to show an interest in matching with them while swiping left is simply rejecting them. |
| Pricing | Tinder is free of charge, but there are premium memberships like Tinder Plus starting from USD 9.99 a month. |
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Dating Site | Bumble |
| Specialty | Bumble is a unique dating app where the ball is in the woman’s court. For a man to be able to contact or show interest in a woman on the site, she must first have shown interest in him by ‘liking’ him first. This adds a layer of safety and protection for women that other dating sites often lack. So if you’re a woman who wants to take a charge and a man who wants a woman who takes the lead, Bumble is definitely for you. |
| Pricing | Bumble is a free dating app, with the option to purchase an upgraded membership called Bumble Boost that costs anywhere from USD 10.99 a week to USD 24.99 a month. |
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Dating Site | Facebook Dating |
| Specialty | Did you know that Facebook now has its own online dating feature? Just like how Facebook helps you stay connected with friends and family from all over the world, you can now find a romantic partner in the same way. You can opt for Facebook Dating by creating a separate profile from your main one while still using the same account. You will then be suggested to other users who have also opted based on interests and preferences. Unlike other dating apps which require you to wait for someone to ‘like’ you first, you can message them directly on your profile and tap on the ‘like’ button to let them know you’re interested. |
| Pricing | Facebook Dating is built directly into the Facebook app for free and requires no additional downloads. |
| Website | https://www.facebook.com/dating |
Dating Site | Grindr |
| Specialty | Sorry ladies — this one is for the boys. Launched in 2009, Grindr is one of the first dating apps created for men and is now the biggest location-based online dating application for gay, bi, trans and queer people. Its geolocation feature allows users to connect with fellow Grindr males in your area based on your phone’s current location. Truly a great way to meet people of the same persuasion. |
| Pricing | Grindr is free-of-charge with paid subscriptions options that range from USD 12 to USD 60 depending on your period plan. |
| Website | https://www.grindr.com/ |
Dating Site | Paktor |
| Specialty | Founded in Singapore in 2013, Paktor is best known as the local counterpart of online dating app, Tinder. Paktor, which means ‘dating’ in Cantonese, came about when its founder struggled with finding a matchmaking service that works best for his needs. Although similar to Tinder for its swiping feature, Paktor has a feature that allows you take back a swipe with no charge at all. It is also arguably the most widely used dating app in all of Singapore is and is popular amongst users in the rest of Asia. |
| Pricing | Paktor is free of charge with premium memberships that start from $47.98 per month. |
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Dating Site | Social Development Network |
| Specialty | Did you know that the government also has programmes in place for Singaporeans to find love? The Social Development Network is an initiative that has specially curated events for eligible singles to meet and form meaningful relationships. Some of their events include dinner dates, speed dating, workshops, and even yoga events! |
| Pricing | Please refer to the website for more information. |
| Website | https://www.sdn.sg/Pages/Home.aspx |
Dating Site | It’s Just Lunch |
| Specialty | With over 23 years of experience in the matchmaking industry in many countries, It’s Just Lunch has become one of the more popular online dating services available today. They appeal specifically to busy working professionals who are looking for serious, long-term relationships but do not have the time to go out and socialize. With its extensive network of individuals and matchmaking process, you’ll most likely end up being paired with the right match for you. |
| Pricing | It’s Just Lunch is a fee-based service. The cost will vary depending on each customer. |
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Dating Site | Christian Connection |
| Specialty | Who said Christians can’t find love online? Christian Connection is a unique online dating service aimed at single Christian individuals in countries like the U.K. and Ireland, the United States, Canada, Hong Kong, and even Singapore. The founders created the service with the aim to create a safe space for fellow Christians to connect with one another and work towards better standards in the dating industry. |
| Pricing | Zero cost for a basic profile membership. Monthly memberships plans start from $30 a month. |
| Website | https://www.christianconnection.com/ |
Dating Site | Coffee Meets Bagel |
| Specialty | If you’re sick of swiping, this one’s for you. Coffee Meets Bagel prides themselves for allowing you to discover meaningful online dating and create authentic connections. Its smart algorithm only curates quality matches for you, ensuring that you actually spend more time with real dates who get you. Their new interface also puts more emphasis on users’ profiles — showcasing more text and gives users the option to “heart” the profile or now, even comment. |
| Pricing | Basic membership plans are free to use, but they also offer premium services with extra perks starting from $20 a month. |
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Dating Site | eHarmony |
| Specialty | eHarmony has been around the market since 2000 has since been praised for their high success rates amongst users. They use a comprehensive questionnaire to match you with people based on your long-term compatibility. If you’re looking for a stable, long-term relationship as opposed to a fling, eHarmony is definitely for you. |
| Pricing | eHarmony membership fees are known to lean towards the pricier side, with monthly plans starting from $57.98 a month. |
| Website | https://www.eharmony.com/singapore/ |
Dating Site | SingaporeLovelinks |
| Specialty | Named as Singapore’s leading local dating site, SingaporeLoveLinks brings together thousands of single men and women in Singapore and around the world in their search for love. It is also one of the most active dating in sites in Singapore, with 80 to 100 users online at a time, to help you find potential matches anytime and anywhere. |
| Pricing | Free of charge for basic memberships. Monthly premium memberships begin from $39.99 a month. |
| Website | https://www.singaporelovelinks.com/ |
Dating Site | OK Cupid |
| Specialty | At OK Cupid, the team dedicates themselves to helping people find love and happiness through meaningful conversations. With their one-of-a-king algorithm, it matches you with the right people by asking questions on things you care about — everything from climate change and feminism to cilantro and how you like your coffee. OK Cupid makes over 91 million connections every year and is the first dating app to introduce 22 gender and 13 orientations options, making it “revolutionary” in the online dating industry. |
| Pricing | Basic accounts are entirely free, while paid feature offerings start from $4.95 to $24.90 a month, depending on your membership plan. |
| Website | https://www.okcupid.com/ |
Dating Site | Lovestruck |
| Specialty | Combining both traditional and online dating approaches, Lovestruck provides users with easy and convenient ways to find their right match. This award winning website has been recognized as one of the most favourite dating sites in Singapore. They regularly organize fun events for their users to engage with one another such as bowling nights, comedy and quiz nights, and parties as well. |
| Pricing | Standard and premium membership fees may apply. |
| Website | http://www.lovestruck.com/singapore |
Dating Site | Hinge |
| Specialty | Popular amongst millennials, Hinge is definitely the go-to dating app for the younger generation. While some may compare it to competitors like Tinder and Bumble, Hinge actually has a data-based algorithm that sets itself apart from its counterparts and has an arsenal of unique profile criteria. Based on Hinge’s real-world statistics, 90% of users said that the first date went great while 72% said that they’d be willing to go on a second date. |
| Pricing | Hinge memberships cost $7 a month. |
| Website | https://hinge.co/ |
Dating Site | HER |
| Specialty | Sorry boys — this one is for the ladies. HER is an online dating service made especially for lesbian, bisexual, and queer people. With their moderators working on the clock, 24/7, you can be confident that the platform is a safe space for you to set up that first date. With in-app communities and regular events, this keeps their community engaged and also allows you to find people without tiring out your thumbs from all the swiping. |
| Pricing | Basic membership is free-of-charge. But for premium features, HER Premium is USD 14.99/month, while a six-month membership is USD 11.99 monthly. |
| Website | https://weareher.com/ |
Dating Site | Lumen |
| Specialty | Lumen is the first-ever dating app specifically designed for people over 50. Since it first started, it has changed the game for senior online dating by offering quality conversations with genuine people. To protect its users, they must upload a selfie as part of the verification process and have created an easy blocking and reporting feature, and does not allow photo messaging for security purposes. |
| Pricing | Lumen is free to download and use. To unlock premium features, Lumen Premium costs vary depending on how many weeks or months you commit to at once. |
| Website | https://lumenapp.com/ |
Dating Site | Happn |
| Specialty | Ever bumped into or cross paths with someone that you were interested in? Happn is an online dating mobile application that uses proximity and member preferences to match users. With its location-based functions, its goal is to give people who have encountered in real life a chance to get to know each other. |
| Pricing | Basic memberships are free. Happn Premium costs USD 24.99 for one month, and USD 89.99 for six months. |
| Website | https://www.happn.com/en/ |
Dating Site | Esync |
| Specialty | Get personalized dating help over the phone with esync. Esync is the first and largest dating service that verifies singles through phone consultations, and finds compatible matches through an in-depth personality quiz. After being matched with eligible and verified singles, you will have the flexibility of meeting your matches at your convenience. |
| Pricing | Pricing depends on your personalised matches. |
| Website | https://www.esync.dating/ |
Dating Site | Lunch Actually |
| Specialty | The Lunch Actually online dating site prides itself for their rigourous professional matching process, which is not done by bots but by actual dating consultants. Just like traditional matchmaking services, members must meet with a dating consultant for an interview to share information ranging from their identification to personal interests. The dating or matching arrangement will only be done after the member has been verified, ensuring that meet certain professional standards. Lunch Actually is Asia’s largest lunch dating agency that operates in Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia and Hong Kong, with an extensive database of members from those countries. |
| Pricing | Membership prices depend on your profile as well as your dating and relationship goal. |
| Website | https://www.lunchactually.com/sg/ |
Dating Site | Match.com |
| Specialty | Match is one of the longest-running digital dating services today. Founded in 1993, Match has perfected their match-making process with an intuitive interface, excellent filtering tools and ensuring that their users profiles are vetted and robust. It’s a dating service that’s been dubbed as “serious, but not too serious” — great for those who are looking for both long-term relationships and or just a fun hook-up. |
| Pricing | Subscription fees are offered in four different packages, with their one-month premium subscription starting from USD 44.99. |
| Website | https://sg.match.com/ |
Common Misconceptions About Dating Sites
Despite its popularity and the high number of success stories, some still have their reservations on dating online.
Misconception #1: Online Sating Site Users Only Want Something Casual
It is easy to put the blame on these platforms for perpetuating hook-up culture due to the ease of connecting with someone with just one swipe. Despite this, there is still a large percentage of people who engage through such mediums in hopes to find something more than just a one-night-stand.
In a survey commissioned by eHarmony, 20% of current, committed relationships have actually begun online and 7% of marriages in the United States were between single individuals that met on a dating website.
Misconception #2: Online Dating is For Those Who Are Desperate
When online dating was first introduced, many were still sceptical and thought that those who engaged in these services were desperate and hopeless romantics. However, over the years, people grew to become more receptive and have shifted to a more positive outlook when it comes to dating online.
Sometimes people just want to have an alternative to traditional matchmaking and according to a study, online dating is no longer seen as “desperate” anymore.
Misconception #3: Relationships That Begin Online Will Not Last
Another common misconception is that online relationships do not last compared to people who meet organically. Although this is still seen by some as an unconventional way to meet your future partner, it’s been proven that relationships that begin online do work.
Proceed with Caution/Be Mindful in the Online Dating Space
While online social networks offer a wide variety of advantages that is unique to each user, it often still comes with a certain degree of deception. People are allowed to present themselves in such a way that might not be as accurate as to how they would appear in person.
Aside from the possibility of being deceived, dating app users are also concerned with security issues.
Based on a survey conducted, the main areas of concern for online dating site and app users are having their devices infected with spyware or malware through the online platforms, and having their data be stolen or leaked from the dating app itself. A few ways that you can protect yourself online include using stronger passwords; sharing limited information; restricting access to dating apps to your contacts, social media accounts and camera; reporting inappropriate users you may encounter; as well as using two-factor authentication.
Things to Look Out For When Engaging with People on Dating Sites
There are a few ways to protect yourself when using these sites. For instance, avoid situations or people that don’t make you feel uncomfortable. In circumstances like this, where anonymity is involved before you meet the person, it’s important to trust your instincts.
Avoid meeting someone for the first time in a secluded or less crowded area. Instead, agree to meet at a public, well-lit area. While it’s important to give them the benefit of the doubt, make sure you’re not putting yourself in uncomfortable situations.
If you encounter someone that always cancels last minute, that should be another red flag for you. Chances are they either have a pretty demanding job or may not be quite as single as they say they are.
Are Dating Sites the New Normal?
With the current COVID-19 crisis in mind, it seems like online dating will be the new normal for the time being. Typical in-person ways of meeting up are now put on hold, which leaves people with no option but to turn to dating sites.
However, one thing great thing that pandemic has brought about is the opportunity to take things slow. Just as sexual health expert and director of Ginza Hikari Clinic, Dr. Norifumi Kennoki says, “the coronavirus may have given us a good opportunity to re-examine our relationships with the people we have met so far, rather than simply running into new encounters”.
With social distancing measures still in place in many different countries, online sites may be the safest option for dating at the moment.
Whether internet dating is a ‘yes’ or ‘no’ for you, always keep an eye out for yourself and proceed with caution when engaging on various online platforms.
Editor’s Note:
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