Dating apps, psychics, and the local pub but what really works?

The dating world isn’t what it used to be after the pandemic closed down social interaction and everyone turned digital in the hopes to find their perfect match. We made profiles on Tinder to find out what people were really looking for.

WITH the Pandemic limiting social interaction it seems everyone has turned digital in the hopes of finding their perfect match in the lead-up to Valentine’s Day.

We made profiles on Tinder, the innovator and market leader of modern dating, to find out what people are really looking for.

Our research found that two out of 10 singles were seeking long term, serious relationships while the other eight were unsure and wanting casual hook-ups.

So, how are people finding love as the world emerges from a global pandemic?

Enjoying a romantic sunset champagne on Havannah Island on the Great Barrier Reef off Townsville. Picture: Paul Dymond / Alamy

Aussies are ready to be struck by Cupid’s arrow as data from Tinder revealed that mentions of the word “valentine” in Australian member bios has increased by 24 per cent and the word “couple” had an 11 per cent increase in February 2021, compared to 2020.

Tinder spokeswoman Kirsty Dunn said the app has become even more popular in the past year with people joining the network out of loneliness.

“The pandemic has helped many people reflect and put things into perspective and now they’re all seeking connection,” she said.

eHarmony psychologist Sharon Draper said the sudden popularity of dating apps has helped reduce stigma around online dating as “so many people are talking about it now”.

“We did a study and found Baby Boomers were on the apps too and I think while there is convenience to online dating, the pandemic has been the driving factor” she said.

Tinder revealed that mentions of the word “Valentine” in Australian member bios has increased by 24 per cent.

“People are realising how important it is to interact and communicate with people and the current global situation has made us all realise how lonely you can get.”

Ms Draper said eHarmony uses a compatibility questionnaire for new users to get a good understanding of what you like and what your interests and values are.

“The algorithm works out the percentage of how much you match with certain people and you take it from there,” she said.

Ms Draper said those shared values produce compatibility and it’s hard to find that going down to a pub and just hoping someone there is right for you.

“Dating apps expose you to a larger pool of people and let you be a bit more picky to find people who you are truly compatible with,” she said.

“There is a pro and con to that, there is no perfect person. But the benefits outweigh the difficult interactions some might have.”

Psychic Medium Alison Maiden uses numerology and astrology to match people. Picture: Stewart McLean

Cairns resident psychic medium Alison Maiden turned her attention strongly to matchmaking after being invited on The Bachelor 2020 to do a reading for Lachie and his contestants where she chose the inevitable winner Irena as his perfect match and inquiries for her matchmaking skills flourished.

“People always have questions about love, it’s a pretty big aspect of the sessions for me, so I started my own website called Find Your Soulmate,” she said.

“I use numerology and astrology to match people with 80 per cent or more compatibility because when you combine the two tools it’s just spot on.”

Amber Robertson found her previous long term relationship following a reading from Alison that has since “cemented trust in herself, spirituality and love”.

“I met my previous boyfriend in a friendship group and we had an incredible instant connection which led to us being together for seven years and it was a beautiful connection,” she said.

Alison Maiden believes people are more open to finding love through psychic readings.

“In her reading, Alison did predict that we wouldn’t be together forever but it would be long term depending on personal growth and healing. She was so spot on, it blew my mind.”

“I wasn’t a believer in things like this before meeting Alison but it opened me up to meeting more unique and special connections.”

“It was the best thing as a whole that ever happened to me.”

Ms Maiden’s clients have ranged in age from 18 to 75 but she said she noticed a consistency in people moving away from casual dating and looking for “real love”.

“I’ve noticed a lot of people are dependent on finding someone that matches their personality, they’re sick of wasting their time with people who just aren’t compatible,” she said.

“People are sick of just looking for the physical and they’re actually using dating apps now to find something long lasting.”

“A lot of people are more open to finding love through psychic readings, because with Covid being what it is, we can’t go to bars and clubs to meet people as often as we used to,” she said.

“But it’s important to know yourself and love yourself first before pushing for love connections because when you’re treating yourself right you are going to attract the right person in and find those fulfilling relationships.”

Originally published as Dating apps, psychics, and the local pub but what really works?