Online dating isn\u2019t rocket science, but it often feels like it is. Between writing the perfect dating profile, to choosing the best photos, to wondering why someone ghosted you, it can get quite overwhelming.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Fortunately, you\u2019ve got science on your side. Employ these data-backed tips to boost your success of finding love on the world wide web:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
REVEAL YOURSELF<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Selfies are the standard photos used in online dating, but make sure you have a full-length photo available as well. A 2019 survey<\/u><\/a> among Brits found that 86% of respondents would like to see a full-body photo. It\u2019s not surprising either: when evaluating a potential mate, it\u2019s only normal to want to see the whole package.<\/p>\n\n\n\n CHANGE UP YOUR PROFILE PHOTOS<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Updating your photos from time to time has two important benefits. First, people who passed over your profile the first time might reconsider. Second, it gives you a chance to show off different facets of your personality, such as your interests or hobbies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n WRITE LIKE AN ADULT<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n You may not be a writer or editor by trade, but that doesn\u2019t excuse poor grammar and spelling on your dating profile. Your profile is a golden opportunity to highlight why you\u2019re the ideal mate and a poorly written one can only undermine your efforts. To be safe, run your writeup on a word processor before posting it. Likewise, don\u2019t go overboard with emojis. They\u2019re charming in small doses, but they\u2019ll make you look like a child if overused.<\/p>\n\n\n\n FOLLOW THE 70:30 RULE<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n You\u2019ve probably dated someone who only ever talked about themselves. We\u2019d wager a second date never materialized. But many people write dating profiles that, ironically, talk only about themselves. Luckily, a paper<\/u><\/a> published in Evidence-Based Medicine<\/em> offers this tip: 70% of your profile should be about who you are and 30% should be about who you\u2019re looking for.<\/p>\n\n\n\n That provides just enough information about yourself without sounding self-centered, with the added benefit of telling potential partners if they fit your criteria.<\/p>\n\n\n\n KEEP IT SHORT<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n So, you found someone online. You may be tempted to write a long message on why they should go out with you, but it probably won\u2019t boost your chances of landing a date with them. Believe it or not, research tells us that shorter messages\u201440 words max, to be precise\u2014might catch their eye more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The reasons for this are unclear, but it\u2019s posited that desirable people often get lots of messages and likely don\u2019t have the time (or inclination) to read long ones. A succinct message with a lot of personality, however, has a better chance of cutting through the clutter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n OWN WHO YOU ARE<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Good news: you don\u2019t have to be perfect to find the perfect mate. If anything, being vulnerable might actually make you more appealing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n