Portsmouth singles spend 10 hours a month swiping, but how many dates comefrom it?
Portsmouth singles could be spending more than 10 hours a month searching for a potential partner online, but new research suggests that all that swiping may not be translating into actual dates.
Research from matchmaking service Tawkify found that dating app users spend an average of 10.8 hours every month browsing profiles, swiping and messaging potential matches. One in five users spend more than 20 hours a month on dating apps.
But despite the amount of time being invested, many singles are struggling to turn online conversations into real-world connections.
Tawkify's research found that 39% of dating app users say their conversations go nowhere most or almost all of the time. Nearly two in five singles surveyed also said they went on zero first dates during the previous year.
That means hours spent browsing potential matches can result in little more than another conversation that eventually disappears.
The research also highlights how quickly the experience can become tiring. More than half of those surveyed, 58%, said they had taken a break from dating apps because of burnout.
For some, the problem may be the sheer volume of choice. Almost three-quarters of dating app users, 73%, said swiping has made dating feel like "shopping for people", suggesting that having an endless supply of profiles does not necessarily make it easier to find a genuine connection.
There is also growing interest in more personalised approaches to dating. Tawkify found that 41% of singles would trust a human matchmaker to choose their next date over a dating app algorithm.
For Portsmouth singles, the findings raise an interesting question: if someone is spending more than 10 hours a month looking for love online, how much of that time is actually helping them get closer to finding the right person?
Are Dating Apps Actually a Waste of Time?
Not necessarily.
Dating apps can be an effective way to meet people who might otherwise never cross paths. They can also be particularly useful for people with busy lifestyles or those who find traditional social situations difficult.
The issue may be less about dating apps themselves and more about how people use them.
Spending more time on an app does not automatically mean finding better matches. Constant swiping can also encourage people to focus on quantity rather than compatibility, while long messaging exchanges can prevent promising connections from progressing to an actual date.
For some singles, the solution could be to use dating apps more intentionally rather than simply spending more time on them.
Practical Advice for Portsmouth Singles
Track your time: Keep an eye on how much time you actually spend swiping and messaging each week. If the number keeps climbing without producing dates, it may be time to change your approach.
Don't let conversations drag on: If you have established a genuine connection with someone, consider moving towards a casual first date rather than spending weeks exchanging messages.
Be selective with your matches: Instead of trying to match with as many people as possible, look for profiles that align with your interests, values and relationship goals.
Don't measure success by matches: A large number of matches does not necessarily mean you're making progress. The quality of the connection matters more than the number of notifications.
Try meeting people offline: Social groups, hobbies, local events and introductions through friends can provide alternatives to the swipe-and-message cycle.
Take a break when needed: If dating starts to feel like another daily task, stepping away from the apps can help prevent burnout and give you a chance to reset.
The Tawkify research suggests that successful dating may not be about spending more hours searching for a partner. For Portsmouth singles, it could be about making those hours more purposeful and finding better ways to turn a promising connection into a real conversation.