In an increasingly digital world, dating and matrimonial apps have revolutionised the way people build and pursue relationships. These platforms transcend traditional barriers, such as geographical distance and social barriers, making it easier for individuals to connect with like-minded partners. Dating offers modern singles a convenient and seamless interface to meet potential partners. Often such digital platforms lead to adverse results as a survey report states that, “78 per cent of female respondents reported facing fake profiles on dating or matrimony apps.” The survey also reveals that 48 per cent of the survey respondents reported mental health impacts from such apps.

The survey profiling conducted by Julio, an exclusive singles club, in partnership with YouGov, a global opinion company, surveyed over 1,000 singles from top 8 cities in India to know the ongoing trends in Indian matchmaking.

The report reveals surprising information about singles matching online profiles but not being able to meet their potential clients in person, concerns about the safety and authenticity of profiles, dating app fatigue and the impact on mental health when using dating and matrimony apps. Dating and matrimony apps have become popular among the youth as they provide access to a huge number of matches that human matchmakers cannot match.

However, the report states that 2 out of 3 people who use dating or matrimony apps and websites have never met their potential partner in person, which indicates a lack of real-life relationships. While there are many reasons responsible for this trend, not being able to find a good profile and being ghosted top the list.

Shockingly, 78 per cent of female respondents encountered fake profiles on these platforms. Thus women expressed a strong desire for better privacy and greater control over their profiles, and 74 per cent of all men and women believe that their profiles should be visible only to people they choose.

In fact, 82 percent of women think government ID verification is necessary for dating or matrimonial platforms, which emphasizes the importance of identity verification for security. This is something that governments should probably insist on making mandatory in view of the scams that occur on these apps.

In addition, youth also have to deal with the emotional and psychological consequences associated with it, as the whole process is difficult and emotionally draining. Almost half of the respondents reported mental health impacts of using dating or matrimony platforms.

The online connection feature puts the burden on people to make a great first impression, with 62 per cent of respondents saying they feel pressured to maintain a witty conversation. The survey further revealed that 3 out of 4 women feel overwhelmed by their experiences on dating or matrimony apps and websites. Emotionally burdened by the endless swiping loop on such platforms, 70 per cent of men and women share that the feature is redundant and adds to their troubles. Overall, 2 out of 3 people want a personal AI matchmaker that helps them find a profile instead of endless searching.

Leading clinical psychologist and TEDx speaker Kamna Chhibber said, “Relationships in modern times are challenging. The availability of too many options can be a hindrance to forming significant partnerships. Also, safety can be compromised when individuals try to reach out and meet more people. It is important to create mechanisms to explore relationships in a safe manner and keep them physically, emotionally and psychologically safe.”

Varun Sood, Founder-CEO, Juleo said, “This report shares the deep pain faced by today’s youth while looking for love. Face-to-face conversations and in-person meetings form the foundation of true relationships. Meeting in person is what makes things happen. That’s why we have started a global movement through Juleo to transform the way singles find love in a safe, trustworthy, and responsible way.”