The Dating app, OkCupid, has identified the Top Ten questions asked by Aussie singles as they search for their match on the OkCupid dating app. These are the Top Ten questions asked over the past year, and they include (in order):
- Are you scared of sharks? (54% of OkCupid dates in Australia answered yes to this one)
- Do you think the date of Australia Day should be changed?
- Would you rather eat pie or a sausage roll? (63% of OkCupid dates said they’d rather eat a pie)
- Do you think Australia should have a stricter immigration policy?
- Do you clap when a plane lands?
- Are you concerned about climate change? (85% of OkCupid daters said they are concerned about climate change)
- Would you date a firefighter?
- Do you consider yourself an activist?
- Is pizza on your top 5 favourite food list?
- Best first date?
The birth of the iso-mate
Virtual dating has been even more important over the past few months during the COVID-19 pandemic, because when restrictions were in full swing, nothing else was possible. So over this time a new trend started and it’s been dubbed ‘iso-mating.’
OkCupid’s CMO and dating expert, Melissa Hobley, explains: “Australia has a new dating trend, iso-mating, created by coronavirus lockdown measures. The term combines isolation and one of Australia’s most loved labels, ‘mate,’ and it reflects that millions of Aussie singles are keen to still find someone on OkCupid.”
Even after COVID-19, Aussies are still dating virtually, looking for a ‘friend’
Hobley says even now, a huge 93 percent of Australia’s OkCupid daters say they’re still dating digitally or virtually: “They’re turning to our app, looking for strong emotional connections, ” she adds.
She adds that via OkCupid’s survey, their noticing a decrease in singles looking for a ‘hookup’ and an increase in those looking for a friend with a meaningful connection: “Eighty-two per cent of our daters agreed it’s important to have an emotional connection before a physical one.. It’s a clear indication that our singles are seeking a companion and confidant during – and now after – this pandemic,” says Hobley.
“We’re seeing this as a prevalent trend in dating. Not only has there been a 20 per cent decrease in people mentioning they are looking for ‘hookups’ on OkCupid, but there’s also been a 10 per cent increase in people on OkCupid looking for ‘new friends,'” she adds.
Some dating tips from Melissa Hobley, OkCupid’s CMO and dating expert
According to Hobley: “It’s important to get to know your potential partner on a deeper level to not only establish an emotional connection, but to get to know their stance on issues that matter such as Australia Day, immigration, climate change, and activism.”
Hobley says by asking and answering these kinds of questions on a dating app like OkCupid, it helps to build an emotional connection and commonality between daters.
She advises daters not to be afraid to spark up a conversation about …anything! Hobley adds that during the COVID-19 lockdown, the most obvious and tempting topic to discuss was the pandemic but she says now that restrictions are easing it’s good to try not to make COVID-19 central topic of every conversation.
Start a conversation so you can build an emotional connection
“The best way to find your iso-mate is to get to the core of who they are, what they like, their interests and dislikes. An emotional connection can indeed grow from a good conversation, so make it a habit to keep the conversation fluid and meaningful,” she advises.
Hobley says in the early part of dating when you’re ‘virtually’ dating, don’t feel like you have to do Zoom and FaceTime so much. She advises to change it up by texting, having phone calls, or even communicating through memes.
“If you’re both into the written word, ignite your inner wordsmith and send each other love letters,” she adds.
Don’t forget to update your profile
Hobley also advises anyone who’s dating to check their profiles and update them regularly: “Someone’s dating profile is a great place to search for commonalities and conversation starters. Make sure you’re also updating your profile regularly to reflect your true current state. Just learnt a new skill in iso? Pop it on your profile! Discovered a newfound passion for the environment? Add a badge! Just gave yourself a haircut (and like it)? Upload a new pic! This will help others discover new and interesting things about you, and vice versa.”
Get to know each other through activities
“While a good conversation can do wonders for your relationship, sometimes the best way to get to know someone, or find your iso-mate, is by doing an activity together,” says Hobley. “From virtual movie marathons, to jigsaw puzzles, charades, cooking classes and so much more—your iso-dates can be anything, and there’s probably already an app for it.”
Don’t be disheartened if it doesn’t work out
“Sometimes the best things are found when you’re not looking for them,” adds Hobley. “If you’ve found someone fantastic, but they’re maybe not ‘the one’ or there isn’t a romantic connection, then that’s totally OK. You’ve still found an iso-mate which could flourish into a life-long friendship.”
