It’s become common practice to use websites and apps for dating nowadays, as it seems this is the easiest way to meet interesting people. With that said, there are some pretty big differences between the more traditional online dating sites such as Zoosk & OurTime versus the “trendier” dating apps such as Tinder. So how do you navigate the waters and find the one that’s best for you? Well let’s take a closer look.
The Benefits of Traditional Online Dating Websites
Just as there are all kinds of dating apps, there are also a large variety of online dating sites that have grown in popularity over the years. Some of the stand-outs include eHarmony, Match.com, and Zoosk to just to name a few.
Before you sign up for any of these, it’s always recommended to read what others have to say and how the site describes itself. For example, while reading OurTime dating site review for over the age of 50 we discovered that it was developed and designed to meet the needs of users who are over 50 and are not quite familiar with online dating sites, enabling a more easy and personalized experience. It starts with choosing your gender and the one you’re looking for, then specify your location and birthday and choose a username and password. After building your profile, you can scroll through other users’ profiles and see your matches with the free plan. This type of technology seems to be common practice with dating websites in general. It allows them to provide a customized approach to online dating so that you’re being matched up with people who are in tune with your own profile.
Typically, there is a paid membership involved with these dating websites. It may even work as a tiered system where you can get some features for free but will need to purchase a subscription in order to communicate with your matches and get a full access. For this reason, they tend to attract people who are pretty serious about making a match. As well they tend to attract a broader range of age groups, not just 25-somethings.
The Benefits of Trendy Dating Apps
Dating apps have a massive following all their own. One of the most talked about ones is Tinder, thanks to its ease-of-use and sheer volume of members. Dating apps can be free, or there may be costs just like the dating websites.
What’s different about the apps is that they are meant to provide you with an easy, fast, and fun experience. Users may even have a few dating apps on the go at once so they really get a big cross-section of people.
There usually aren’t a ton of features, bells, and whistles, and many allow you to chat right within the app. The minute you download the app, you’ll be able to use it. You don’t need to deal with questionnaires and matchmaking in many of them. In this sense people feel like they are in control.
Now with that said, there are offerings that allow you to create a profile and use matchmaking technology. You can even perform searches based on certain criteria. Tinder works by providing the user with one match at a time which you either “pass or play” with.
On the downside, many of these apps require you to sign in through social media so you will need to have an existing account. As well, you may not find people that match up quite as well as matchmaking technology would allow. And even though they claim they are “free” there can be hidden costs and limitations unless you unlock the full version.
A Personal Choice
In the end, it comes down to what kind of match you are looking for, if you want help finding that match, and how personalized an experience you want.