A huge Tinder study featuring 8,000 singletons has revealed some 'false red flags' that people might be falling victim to on the dating app.
Apps like Tinder are great for increasing the amount of potential partners you can chat to, but the sheer amount of choice can sometimes be a bit overwhelming. How do you make your decision when all you've got is a picture and a few lines of bio?
The Green Flags Study
One of the key things people look for is common interests, but the 'Green Flags Study', conducted with heterosexual people aged 18-34 from the UK, USA, Canada and Australia, has revealed that a lot of people actually have misconceptions about the opposite sex.
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Dr. Sara Konrath, a social psychologist at Indiana University, explained: “The Green Flags Study reveals assumptions that young people have about each other: men and women are misjudging each other’s intentions in stereotypical ways.
“Such stereotypes can be damaging to relationships. Staying curious and asking questions can help dig beyond the surface and lead to deeper connections.”
As a result of misconceptions, single people see all sorts of false red flags from potential partners, with nearly all participating men (91%) and women (94%) agree that dating is more difficult.
Thankfully, the study reveals a few of the key misconceptions which may help prevent any missed connections in the future.
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The search for romance
One surprising finding revealed 53 percent of men want a romantic relationship but believe less women - approximately 49 percent - are looking for the same thing.
Men also believe women will focus on factors like height or job title when it comes to looking for a partner.
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In reality, 68 percent of women said they're looking for a romantic relationship, and claimed factors like height or job aren't 'make or breaks' when it comes to choosing a partner.
Similarly, 65 percent of women in the survey appeared to overestimate how many men are looking for something more casual. In reality, only 29 percent of the male respondents said they were searching for noncommittal sex.
However, because misconceptions leave singletons struggling to figure out whether someone is exhibiting real 'red flags', they instead give up altogether in what the researchers described as a 'Dating Traffic Jam'.
Moving with the times
Unfortunately, the misconceptions only continue when it comes to actually being in a relationship.
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The study found that 78 percent of men and 84 percent of women want equal partnership, though 37 percent of men said they wouldn't label themselves as a feminist.
While this might seem like a red flag, it may result from a misunderstanding of the term feminist itself.
The study found that 74 percent of men are open to dating a woman who makes more money than them, suggesting conversations about morals and societal interests could provide more information than simply adding the word 'feminist' to the bio.
Green Flag Dating Tips
Using the findings, the researchers recommend single people try to distinguish between flags and give themselves a better chance at forming meaningful foundations without losing out due to quick judgement.
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Using the information gleaned from the study, Paul Brunson, Tinder’s Global Relationships Insight Expert, shared his 'green flag' dating tips.
Respect is all around
From the moment the connection is made to your real-life date and beyond, observe how they interact and treat others. From the messages they send to how they engage with their mom, respect counts heaps.
Bring yourself
Keep it real from the beginning. From photo verified dating profiles to embracing what makes them, them - including their quirks. Look for what makes this human unique.
Two ears, one mouth
Developing a connection is about sharing communication. Be actively aware of how much they’re listening and whether they’re taking the time to know you, rather than them ‘stealing the mic’.
Who are they really?
There’s a lot to be said about putting your cards on the table and vice versa. From life goals, to financial set up to friendship circles - can they articulate clearly where they are in their life and most importantly does that fit with what you want.
Your gut never lies
Above all else, dating comes back to one thing - your gut. No ‘Green Flag’ can overshadow this. If it’s not happening, it’s not happening. Move on and continue to enjoy your dating journey.
Topics: Tinder, Sex and Relationships
Emily Brown