Dating Sunday may be your best shot at finding love on a dating app, but be prepared to spend some money. Dating platforms have designated the first Sunday of the year as Dating Sunday, as traffic on dating apps soars during the post-holiday season.
Apps like Tinder and Coffee Meets Bagel are expecting a significant surge in messages and likes compared to other Sundays of the year. Tinder, for instance, is anticipating a 22% increase in messages and an 18.2% increase in likes. Coffee Meets Bagel saw a 47% rise in sign-ups on Dating Sunday in 2022 compared to the previous 30 days.
However, the search for love comes at a cost. Many dating app users need to pay a monthly fee to match and interact freely with potential love interests. For example, Tinder offers various subscription tiers, ranging from $7.99 per month for a Plus account to an invite-only premium subscription that costs $500 per month. Hinge, Bumble, and Coffee Meets Bagel also have their own subscription plans, with prices ranging from $19.99 to $229.99 per month.
Despite the financial investment, using dating apps can be fruitful. According to Pew Research Center, about 10% of adults in a relationship say they met their partner through a dating platform, while 20% of people under 30 reported meeting their partners that way. However, concerns about safety and harassment on dating platforms persist, highlighting the need for caution.
While some users appreciate the ability to view a user’s profile before engaging with them, access to this feature is often restricted to paid subscriptions. This has led some users to express discontent with the high costs associated with dating apps, feeling that corporations take advantage of people’s desire to meet others for dating purposes.
As Dating Sunday approaches, those seeking love must weigh the potential benefits against the financial commitment required. The surge in app activity presents a prime opportunity to connect with potential partners, but users should also exercise caution and prioritize their safety while navigating the online dating landscape.
