Finding a dating site with genuine people on it

There are reportedly over 1500 dating sites in the UK with around one in three relationships starting online.  It's reassuring that singles have so much choice but with the ever-increasing number of sites flooding the market, how can you be sure that there are genuine people on it?

To answer that question, we need to look at the information that dating sites collect from our profiles and explore if there is any way of determining whether members do exist and are they genuine.

The internet has given us the freedom that we now take for granted.  We have many more choices open up to us - we can buy clothes, food, goods, and meet people through online dating sites plus much more.  In fact, it's rare to find a business that doesn't have an online presence. 

Anyone can hide behind a computer screen, tablet, or phone and be who they want to be.  We have become a nation of keyboard warriors - this gives us freedom on the one hand but some challenges that we have to negotiate on the other hand.  So, how do we know that the people we are messaging are genuine members or even exist?

Matching by your profile

Unfortunately, there is no foolproof way that dating sites can truly verify members.  We have to take people on trust and believe that they are who they say they are.  Some sites don't require members to fill out any kind of specific questionnaire in addition to the usual profile questions.

Instead, what they do is try to match you according to the answers you've given in your profile.  You tick or fill out your preferences and what you look for in a partner, so in a way, it makes sense that there's no need for the extra compatibility test.

With some sites, users are expected to answer hundreds of questions, which the system then processes as their matchmaking tool.  It seems logical that the more subjects and viewpoints people agree upon, the more likely they are to it off in the real world.

After all, we do know that similar values DO matter in relationships and that there are certain opinions of ours that we shouldn't compromise on.  This option gives us the best insight into what people actually think.  We should also consider the fact that opposites generally don't attract when it comes to forming meaningful relationships as there is not enough in common personality-wise or values to sustain a relationship.  

Matching according to science

There are several dating sites that use a scientific approach and have spent many hours developing their algorithm and calculating the best way to enhance the compatibility factor.  Members are invited to fill out a very comprehensive set of questions that will take a lot of time to complete.  With around 100 questions to answer this is not for the faint-hearted but remember you only have to answer the questions once and you're finished. In theory, you can sit back and wait for matches to appear in your inbox

Matching by your name - calculating love compatibility

Love by Name uses your name and that of a potential partner to see how compatible you are before you've even met!  The theory behind the matching system is based on an ancient system of thought detailed in the Yi King text from the Sacred Books of the East.  The system is called Name Analysis and is very different from Numerology.  The only similarity between the two is the reduction of names to numbers.

In Name Analysis numbers are selected for each letter in your name, (A=1, B=2, C=3, etcetera).  The total number for each name will determine which of the 64 personality types that you have for each name.  Names can be matched in any combination. First name with surname, middle name(s) with the first name, etcetera.

 Members are selected with names that are similar to provide an attraction but with sufficient differences to produce the variety necessary to make the relationship long-lasting.

Because the matching system is very specific (Matching on the name, age requirements, and gender i.e man looking for a woman) there are only a few optional questions to answer.  This cuts down on the time and effort it takes to complete the profile and because the system matches on compatible personality types, it should result in more love the first time.

Dating sites can't predict chemistry.  Unfortunately, chemistry can't be manufactured as it's a feeling only you can decide - but the more compatible you are with a person the more you feel comfortable with them and the greater chance that you could have that special connection.

Conclusion

So, as a conclusion, what can we say: Is there any foolproof way of finding a dating site with genuine people on it?  The jury is out on that question and there is no verdict yet.

Our advice is to think with your head and not your heart.  It's all too easy to get carried away in the moment. and trust that everyone is as honest as you.   When it comes to relationships nobody should jump in with their eyes closed, make sure that you take the time to get to know the real person not what they think you want to hear.

It really is up to you to decide what works for you.