If you’ve been swiping on the dating apps recently, you’ve probably noticed that the bios of your potential matches are littered with the red flag emoji – this year it was one of the most frequently used emoji in Tinder bios, according to the app’s data.
Some red flags are pretty specific to the person (think: “don’t love dogs!”) but others are commonly held.
And all of them can thwart your attempt at a long-term partnership — something many singles expressed wanting this year — before it even begins.
In 2022, 50% of singles said they would’ve been happier over the last year if they’d been in a relationship. In 2021, 35% had the same response.
Here are four red flags that might cost you a potential match, according to dating app data.
Getting drunk on a first date
Three-in-four singles don’t want to get drinks on a first date, according to Hinge’s data.
Of those surveyed, 45% said they prefer sober dates because they are prioritizing their mental health and 55% said it helps them get to know the other person better.
What should you do instead?
Well, 17% of daters on the app would rather meet for coffee. About 11% would rather see a show or go to a museum and 14% would rather go for a walk.
Being ‘too into’ Instagram
Those who are “too into” Instagram or Snapchat come off as self absorbed, according to Hinge users.
That’s why 74% of said don’t want to date someone who is constantly using social networking apps.
While on a date, it’s probably best to keep the phone face down.
Not knowing about politics or social issues
Being in the know about social and political issues is a huge plus for daters, according to Tinder data.
A whopping 75% of singles were looking for a match who respected or were invested in social issues.
And almost half, 47%, of singles said that finding out the person they are dating is a non-voter is a “deal breaker.”
This doesn’t mean your views have to totally align with those of a potential partner. Only 24% of users said they want to date someone who thinks exactly as they do and 46% said they would date someone who has different political views.