Dating app users seeking effective ways to find compatible matches are increasingly adopting a strategy of openness about their goals. A trend referred to as “loud looking” highlights this shift, with 70 percent of singles pursuing serious relationships actively stating their preferences, dealbreakers, and expectations in profiles and initial conversations as early as 2025. This direct communication represents an answer to an “assumptions epidemic,” where unclear intentions and misinterpretations have been common issues in online matchmaking.
Stating goals upfront allows users to efficiently filter connections, resulting in more meaningful interactions. Women, in particular, appear to benefit from this practice, with 64 percent reporting that they are articulating their expectations clearly and rejecting anything less than alignment with their desires. Additionally, 72 percent of female users on a global matchmaking site indicated they are focusing on finding long-term commitments within the year. This candidness is not exclusive to profile descriptions; it extends to early interactions, where clear boundaries are set to prevent misunderstandings.
Dating apps cater to a variety of relationship goals, and openly expressing yours can help filter out mismatches. For some, this means stating a preference for long-term partnerships, while others might seek companionships that align with unique lifestyles. Platforms like Secret Benefits serve as one example, where people explicitly evaluate compatibility based on shared expectations, avoiding assumptions from the beginning.
Similarly, users of broader platforms can embrace this clarity by specifying interests, values, and relationship priorities within their profiles. Transparent communication, whether through detailed bios or early conversations, fosters authentic connections and reduces time spent on incompatible matches.
Apart from facilitating efficient filtering, explicitly sharing relationship goals also improves algorithmic matchmaking. For instance, algorithms on popular dating apps can refine matches by analyzing details shared in user profiles, whether they pertain to values, interests, or goals. Users with similar interests, lifestyles, or living within a reasonable distance are frequently prioritized in search results due to these data points. More comprehensive profiles, including those that answer essay questions about values or rank traits, can increase the likelihood of finding a match by giving algorithms richer data for compatibility analysis.
Transparency also shapes broader behaviors in dating apps. Observational data highlights that 41 percent of users globally interact with content about dating, including both its positive and challenging aspects, which helps normalize candid discussions about relationship dynamics. Some have even turned to their social networks for support in evaluating potential matches; 31 percent of single women said they have become more open with their male friends about their dating activities. In some cases, users go further, with 22 percent of women asking male friends to review prospective dates.
Shared interests and emotional vulnerability have also emerged as crucial factors in creating stronger connections. For 46 percent of users, unique or niche hobbies are pivotal in determining compatibility. Romantic values continue to drive meaningful connections, with a noticeable resurgence in preference for genuine displays of affection. For instance, 58 percent of women in the United Kingdom identified themselves as romantics and noted the absence of romantic gestures has impacted their dating interactions. Openly communicating about stability and future plans is increasingly a priority as discussions about shared goals are becoming standard.
This trend toward openness aligns with broader observations. Honest exchanges about intentions not only reduce feelings of loneliness but foster optimism. For instance, users exposed to realistic dating content report feeling less self-conscious and more hopeful about their opportunities to build lasting connections. As candid expression becomes more normalized, the dating landscape trends toward transparency, allowing people to foster authentic relationships.