When looking for a date online, looks matter most

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MANILA, Philippines — Physical appearance remains a top priority in online dating, according to a survey where 63 percent of male and 54 percent of female respondents aged 18+ consider looks while searching for potential partners.

Agile Data Solutions, through its polling arm Hustle PH, also revealed that after physical appearance, the respondents consider a possible partner’s age, interests or hobbies, location, education, work, and religion.

“Online dating follows rules of physical dating where initial attraction is always prompted by looks, then developed through meaningful conversations. The main difference is that connections are made faster without the barrier of physical distance and the burden of time-consuming face-to-face meetings,” Agile Data Solutions co-founder Jason Gaguan explained in a statement.

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In a later text message, Gaguan told INQUIRER.net that their survey was conducted last month, involving 680 respondents – 448 females, 225 males, one non-binary, and six others labeled “unspecified.”

The survey likewise disclosed that 44 percent of male and 45 percent of female respondents who use online dating apps put effort into their profile photos, considering these as the “primary element” of self-presentation.

When asked about the benefits of dating applications, the respondents confirmed a “universal desire” to broaden their social connections through such online apps.

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As many as 58% of female and 73% of male participants reported being in a happy relationship with someone they met via an online dating app.

“There’s a universal desire among respondents to broaden their social connections through online dating apps, underscoring  the role of online dating apps as facilitators of social exploration and the importance of shared connections and interests in forging meaningful relationships,” Gaguan explained.

According to Agile Data Solutions, the survey was conducted to understand the intricacies of online dating and the role technology plays in fostering healthy relationships.

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