Study Reveals The 5 'Biggies' Men Look For When Dating

How to find love the right way.

Man is looking for certain things when he is dating. Ridofranz | Canva
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The internet can be an effective place to find love. According to a recent Pew Research study, approximately 37% of single people have used some form of internet dating site, and approximately 17% of online daters have found long-term love online

With well over a million paying members and 20,000 new members joining each day, Match is the leading online dating site. And, overall, online dating sites are expected to earn 1.9 billion in revenue this year alone.

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So, what do men look for when they're swiping on these apps? Here's what you need to know.

Study reveals the 5 'biggies' men look for when dating:

1. To be frank, youth 

While women focus on finances, men opt for beauty and youth. These preferences can be explained by evolution: while gals seek security, guys look for reproductive compatibility. 

@johnkeeganlifestyle Your online dating profile is an invitation.When you’re creating it, it’s really important to look at your standards and values and what kind of person you want to enter into your life. What is it that makes you swipe left or swipe right? I would love to hear down ⬇️#datingadvice #onlinedatingtip #winegirl #profilepics #swiperight #dstingcoach ♬ original sound - John Keegan

A man wants a woman with whom he can have healthy, attractive offspring.

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2. Similarities

Online daters — both men and women — are more likely to date people within their own race. However, women have a higher preference for same-race mates than men do. 

Most dating site users also prefer to date within the same religion and political group. It also helps if you guys live in the same area. Smokers tend to prefer smokers; non-smokers seek out non-smokers; and those without kids are more likely to prefer other childless singles.

RELATED: The Hard-To-Hear Reason You Haven't Been Successful At Online Dating

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3. Proper grammar

Studies have shown that when it comes to online dating profiles and messages, grammar matters just as much as the content itself. Poor punctuation is a turn-off to both sexes

4. Honesty

An accurate representation of self is more likely to lead to a second date. While it's okay to choose the option "I will tell you later," it's not okay to lie. 

A recent Newsweek article discussed how 20% of online dating users lie about their age. On average, women decrease their weight by 8.5 pounds. 

When outright lies are contained in an online dating profile, it can lead to immediate discontinuation of the relationship. Don't waste anyone's time — just be honest.

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RELATED: I Found Love On A Hopeless Dating Site And So Can You

5. Fun photos

Pictures that show you engaged in an activity are far likelier to stimulate a successful conversation. On your dating profile, post photos where you're doing what you love to do. 

things men look for online dating Pexels / Karolina Kaboompics

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Not only will they gain more attention, but they'll also offer something to talk about. Just make sure it's easy enough to tell who you are in the pictures.

These tips should come in handy when looking for love online. But remember: these facts are just averages and not absolutes. Conduct your research about online dating, and always stay safe when meeting potential dates. 

RELATED: 10 Honest Tips For A Better Dating Profile, According To International Dating Coach

Larissa Rzemiensk is a Licensed Professional Counselor, a Lead Faculty Area Chair, serves as an adjunct faculty member at two major universities, in the fields of Psychology and Human Services, and is a yoga teacher.

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