Dating News

The 'Cuffing Season' is an expression used for the period of time when single people look for short-term Mr/Ms 'right now' situationships through the colder months. It usually begins in October and ends around Valentines day.  This year the cuffing season has taken on a life of its own, with a full schedule of phases: from scouting, drafting, and try-outs, all the way to the finals and the big cuff. Is it worth exploring and how should singles navigate it "should" navigate it? 'Smarty's have come up with a 5 tip plan to ensure cosying up with the right person this winter by using your data wisely to vet potential dates - a little digital research can help make sure you’re making the right connection,  

1. Check out your mutual friends
Before you commit to that first date, do a quick check to see if you have mutual friends on Instagram or Facebook. To give extra insight.

2. Suss out the chemistry with a video call
Why waste time on unsuccessful dates? Get a feel for your potential partner by hopping on a quick video call. 

3. Drop that emoji
Don’t be shy – drop a fire emoji under their latest post or react to their story with a heart. A little confidence can go a long way, so be bold, brave, to give the hint and start engagement. 

4. Get date night inspo on TikTok
A fun “out-of-the-box” date night is a great way to breeze through the drafting season. For ideas, TikTok is your go-to!  

5. Watch an episode of their favourite show
Before you go on that date, why not check out an episode of their favourite series? It’s a great way to see if you have compatible thinking. 

With SMARTY’s reliable data, you can do it all without worrying about running out – and with their current offer of 180GB for just £15!

OK Cupid has introduced a new tool to help users remove photos of their ex from social media feeds. Called the "ex-terminator," this AI-driven tool, developed by tech firm Photoroom, lets users 'paint' over their ex, with the AI seamlessly filling in the background.

This service was launched following research showing that 62% of single women have cherished photos spoiled by a former partner. Additionally, two in five singles expressed a desire to erase an ex from photos to help move on from a breakup.

Michael Kaye, Director of Communications at OK Cupid, stated, “To help users get their dating profiles summer-ready, we’ve partnered with Photoroom to ensure their exes aren’t ruining any good photos.”

The tool is free to use and can be found at photoroom.com/erase-your-ex.

ALMOST half of UK singles admit they are not ‘entirely authentic’ on dating apps. The new study from eharmony reveals just 12 per cent of daters believe others portray themselves authentically on apps when looking for love, while three in ten  do not expect people to be authentic at all. 

One in five also admitted to editing their profile picture.
The poll also revealed that UK Millennials are the most likely by far to carry baggage from previous relationships, with almost a quarter not over a past love. Gen X are the most scared of rejection, with two in five worried about being rebuffed by a potential date. 

Singles are increasingly ditching dating apps for traditional methods to find partners, according to a report by Novuna Personal Finance. The study shows 53% of Brits prefer meeting in person, rising to 57% among under-25s, due to concerns about the rising costs of dating apps.

This trend is impacting the dating app industry, with Bumble seeing a significant decline in Gen Z users and laying off 30% of its staff. Despite this, 75% of dating app users are serious about finding a life partner, though 31% swipe out of boredom. Over-45s are half as likely to use apps but enjoy a higher success rate.

Explore more insights on dating trends and discover effective alternatives to dating apps on our website. Learn how to meet someone special without relying on dating apps.

A new study from Forbes Health explores dating app burnout, finding that 79% of Gen Z have experienced exhaustion from online dating. .

Dating app burnout – who and why?

Dating app burnout, defined as feeling emotionally, mentally or physically exhausted by dating apps, has been experienced by 78% of respondents either sometimes, often or always, the study found.

79% of Millennials and Gen Z reported that they have experienced dating app burnout sometimes, often or always. For Gen X and Baby Boomers, the rate is 77% and 69% respectively.

Menopausal women report having more confidence and feeling more care free then ever before, according to the research by the over 50s dating app, Ourtime.

• A quarter (25%) of women feel more comfortable in themselves since going through the menopause
• Nearly one in five women (18%) during this life stage have more confidence, while 18% now feel they are able to focus on what they want for the first time
• Menopause’s status as a ‘taboo’ subject is shifting, with nearly half (46%) saying they are confident opening up about their experience to the person they are dating

It also emerged that of the 28% who are single, 16% are more likely to unapologetically ask for what they want from a relationship – because they know themselves better now compared to before.

23% of single women were initially concerned about the impact menopause would have on their dating life, however, the good news is that one in four (26%) admitted they needn’t have worried.

Cyber experts warn that dating apps often request excessive data, posing privacy risks. NordVPN found that these apps ask for an average of 23 permissions, many unnecessary, including sensitive biometric data. Adrianus Warmenhoven, cybersecurity advisor at NordVPN, expressed concern over the lack of legitimate purpose for many of these permissions, which are often used for targeted advertising.

Protect Your Privacy on Dating Apps:

• Use official stores: Avoid unofficial app stores to prevent modified apps.
• Review privacy policies: Understand what data is tracked and shared.
• Check permissions: Disable unnecessary permissions for camera, microphone, storage, location, and contacts.
• Avoid social media logins: This can limit data sharing between platforms.
• Limit location access: Allow only when using the app.
• Delete unused apps: Prevent them from collecting data.

A new poll has discovered that 1 in 5 couples don’t celebrate Valentine's Day at all

The majority (65%) of UK adults enjoy going out on their own

Singletons are less stressed than ever about coupling up, with just 3% of people in the UK even interested in finding dates for Valentine's Day through dating apps. Even those coupled up are less inclined to celebrate. 1 in 5 couples reveal they don’t celebrate at all, only 13% exchange gifts and just 1 in 10 whisk their partners away for a romantic weekend. 

New research from Mobility Super App, FREENOW, reveals that couple stuff is out and spending time by yourself is in, with two in three (65%) UK adults enjoying going out on their own. 

Although finding love may have fallen off people’s list of priorities, almost half (46%) of singles say they still feel prejudice in social situations. 

OWNING a pet can up your chances of securing a successful love match.

Almost half of daters like a would-be lover to own a dog, while 31 per cent prefer a partner with a cat.

Other animals attracting singles’ eyes include rabbits and fish, loved by seven per cent, while one in 25 looked for a lover with either a horse or pet bird.

Women are slightly more likely than men to seek out a pet-owning date while Glasgow is the UK’s top town for pet-loving singles, as almost two thirds of daters look for dates with animal-loving profiles.

However, owning a gerbil, snake or ferret could put off potential partners as under one per cent of singles were keen on these critters, the Censuswide survey showed.