Dating apps come with allure and excitement but also disappointment and red flags. Romantic hopefuls are just as often making connections as dodging shady behavior. In recent years, terms like ‘ghosting’ and ‘catfisher’ have become all too familiar, and recent research found that pushing for a date after a polite ‘no’ is commonplace online.
Dating app algorithms are improving and becoming more sensitive to potential issues. Here is how they are helping identify red flags.
Red flag #1: Tendency to ghost
Ghosting is one of the biggest problems with modern dating. When a user hasn’t responded for a while, Hinge nudges them to respond by saying ‘your turn’, a gentle reminder to either continue the conversation or respectfully end it. It doesn’t aim to breathe life into a nonexistent connection, but it does encourage app users to treat each other with kindness and honesty.
Red flag #2: Incompatible matches
Many dating platforms present users with what they have identified as compatible potential matches. The algorithms choose this person based on background information and, in some cases, their answers to some questions on their profile.
Parship takes compatibility matching a step further. More specifically, the app starts with a detailed personality test that classifies users into 36 categories with a matching algorithm of 136 rules. The five-factor personality model governs the test. It includes different things, from whether someone sleeps with the window open to what they look for in a partner.
According to Parship, around 40% of users find a partner, which is impressive in dating app numbers. In comparison, just 10% of people in exclusive relationships met their partner on a dating app, according to 2023 data from the Pew Research Center.
Red flag #3: Lack of interest
Behavioral algorithms can analyze the length and depth of chats, flagging users who repeatedly send very short or general responses. These responses might signal a lack of genuine interest or emotional unavailability. A sign of mommy issues in men is sending brief, non-committal messages but expecting attention and prompt responses in return.
Remedying the gender imbalance
As of 2024, 67% of Bumble users are male, and 33% are female. In addition, the Pew Research Center found that men were more likely than women to admit using dating sites (34% vs. 27%). 41% of men have paid to use a dating site or app vs. 29% of women.
Women start the conversation on Bumble to remedy the imbalance. The match expires if the woman doesn’t send a message within 24 hours. If the man doesn’t receive a reply within that time frame, the match is lost. Either person can send the first message for same-sex matches as long as they do so within 24 hours. Bumble’s feature empowers women by letting them lead.
Inconsistencies: beliefs vs. behavior
Algorithms compare a user’s self-reported interests or values with their actual behavior on the platform. They might flag someone who claims to seek serious relationships but frequently engages in casual interactions.
Suspending frequently blocked or reported users
Behavioral algorithms monitor users who are often reported or blocked by others for inappropriate conduct. Multiple reports of dishonesty or harassment trigger further behavior analysis, potentially leading to account suspensions. When Tinder announced the launch of machine-learning technology to reduce harassment on the platform, it was reported that 72% of the app’s users had blocked other users for interacting inappropriately at least once in the past six months.
Final thoughts
Behavioral algorithms aim to enhance user safety and experience by identifying potential red flags on dating sites. By tracking communication styles and analyzing engagement patterns, these algorithms help users avoid unpleasant behavior and promote healthier connections.
