Why Specifying Your Interests Leads to Better Matches Online 

Finding the right person on dating apps isn’t just about swiping. Your profile needs to stand out, and the key to that is being clear about what you love and value. Specifying your interests gives potential matches a glimpse into your life and what excites you.

It’s not just about filling space—it’s about setting the stage for real connections. Let’s explore how your hobbies and passions can make or break your dating app experience.

Key Takeaways

• Other dating app users will get a clearer picture of who you are
• Shared interests foster natural connection points, engaging conversations
• Specifying interests on apps can be a bad idea – read on to see when

Why Interests Matter for Better Matches

According to a survey by Healthy Framework, 61% of dating app users want to meet people with shared interests. A 2023 study by the Pew Research Center showed that 64% of married couples find having shared interests is crucial for a successful marriage.

Specifying your interests on dating sites is important because it increases the likelihood of attracting compatible matches who genuinely align with your lifestyle. When you list specific interests, you provide potential matches with a clearer picture of who you are beyond the basics, showcasing your personality and what brings you joy. This helps weed out mismatches early.

Shared Interests Can Make It Easier to Connect

Shared interests foster natural connection points, allowing people to feel more relaxed and authentic from the start.

This can lead to deeper, more engaging conversations and make first dates less of a guessing game and more of an exciting exploration of mutual passions.

Being able to talk improves relationship prospects – surprisingly, married couples talk for only 20 minutes a week on average.

According to a recent study, 49 couples in long-term relationships who spent a relatively long proportion of their time together talking experienced greater closeness and reported higher levels of satisfaction.

Examples of shared hobbies:

• A love for hiking can lead to memorable outdoor adventures.
• A passion for cooking creates opportunities for bonding over shared meals or classes.
• Simply walking in the park can set a casual, stress-free tone for interactions.

Pro Tip: Include hobbies you genuinely enjoy rather than interests you think will make you appear more attractive. Authenticity stands out.

Shared Interests in High-Profile Examples

Incidentally, even the ultrarich recognize the importance of shared interests. Elon Musk seeks partners who are interested in space exploration, electric cars, or digital assets and weeds out women in his vast dating pool who don’t share his passions.

However, a common hobby like cooking or hiking can also bring people together. Cooking can be a fun way to pass the time with someone and hiking is a great way to get out of the house, weather permitting, and explore nature with a potential partner whom you can trust. Lets see the benefits:

Cooking as a shared hobby:

• Over 57% of Americans aged 15+ spend time preparing food daily.
• Cooking offers a healthy, fun, and engaging activity.
• Try a new recipe or take a cooking class together. It is a fun and healthy hobby to have.

Hiking benefits:

• Hiking offers fresh air and beautiful views and is generally one of the best hobbies a couple can share.
• Choose a popular trail for the first trip and then try different trails of varying difficulty levels.
• Progress to more challenging trails as trust and companionship grow.
• It’s also a great way to stay active and improve one’s fitness level.

Is Specifying Interests on Dating Apps Ever a Bad Idea?

A hardline political stance or controversial hobby can turn away people who might otherwise be a good match.

Overloading your profile with a long list of vague interests like traveling and eating out might make you seem boring.

If an interest is a non-negotiable part of your life, list it by all means, but if not, being open-minded is the better option. If you’re a gym fanatic, saying you’re passionate about fitness and love active weekends is a better formulation than “Please keep swiping if you never go to the gym.”

How to Phrase Your Interests for Maximum Appeal

Practical Examples:

• Instead of “I like sports,” specify: “I’m a big fan of soccer and enjoy weekend games at the park.”
• Avoid: “I love traveling.” Try: “Exploring small towns and finding hidden gems makes my trips unforgettable.”

Pro Tip: Use interests to tell a story about your personality. Instead of a generic “I like music,” mention, “I’m obsessed with vinyl records and love finding rare albums.”

What to Avoid When Listing Interests

• Being too vague: “I like movies.” Instead, mention, “I’m into thrillers and indie films.”
• Overloading your bio with generic interests. Quality beats quantity.
• Focusing on “trendy” hobbies you don’t actually enjoy. Authenticity wins over faking it.

Pro Tip: Balance passion with relatability. Choose 2-3 hobbies you genuinely enjoy and that many people can connect with.

Using Photos to Reinforce Your Interests

Practical Tips for Better Photos:

• A cooking enthusiast? Include a photo of you experimenting in the kitchen.
• Enjoy hiking? Show yourself on a scenic trail.
• Pet lover? Post a playful moment with your furry friend.

Pro Tip: Your photos should complement your listed interests, not contradict them. Authenticity goes a long way.

FAQ

How Can I Get Better Matches Online?

Users with a detailed bio get 32% more matches. A short, humorous, and positive bio will perform well. Say what you’re looking for in a relationship, but don’t be too negative, like making a list of all the things you’re not looking for.

You should have three types of photos: a face shot, a full body shot, and a photo of you performing an activity.

What Is a Surprisingly Appealing Element of Dating App Profiles?

A sense of purpose. Researchers created fake dating profiles and asked 119 people to rank them on different attractiveness levels. Those with a clearly expressed dating purpose performed better.

How Do I Choose Which Interests to Include in My Bio?

Pick 2-3 hobbies that represent your authentic self and can spark meaningful conversations. Focus on interests that excite you and are likely to attract compatible matches.

Should I Mention Non-Negotiable Interests?

Absolutely, if they’re vital to your lifestyle. For example, if fitness is a priority, say so positively, like “I love outdoor workouts and staying active.”

Is Humor Important in A Dating Profile?

Yes, humor helps break the ice and makes your profile more engaging. A witty one-liner about your interests can leave a memorable impression.