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Online dating apps are commonly used in the United States to find a mate. In a recent survey from the Pew Research Center (2023), approximately 30% of all US adults have used a dating site or app. Yet, the average user age of specific sites varies widely (Pew Research Center, 2024). For users over 50, this may make some online platforms more desirable than others.
Dating online can be a new experience for many older adults who were not exposed to such options when they were younger. Here are 4 interesting facts about online daters over 50 that may surprise you.
- Online Dating Is Increasingly Common. About a quarter of Americans in their 50s (23%) have used an online dating platform, compared to 14% in their 60s and 12% in their 70s and older. Taken together, about 17% of Americans over 50 have used an online dating platform.
- The Most Common App Is Match.com. In the same study sample, over 50% of online daters over 50 used Match.com. These rates were much higher than those of other dating sites like eHarmony, Tinder, OkCupid, Bumble, Grindr, Hinge, and HER. For example, Tinder was used by only 19% of users in their 50s, 6% of those in their 60’s, and 1% of those 70 and older.
- Dating Is Often Motivated by a Desire for Long-Term Partnership. About half of people over 50 who used a dating app in the past year reported that a major reason for doing so was to meet a long-term partner or spouse (49%). Other reasons included wanting to date casually (41%), to have sex (25%), and to make new friends (20%).
- Older Women Often Find Online Dating to be a Negative Experience. Although dating online can lead to successful relationships, older women are most likely to describe their experience as negative. In fact, in the Pew sample, over 57% of women over 50 said they had a somewhat or very negative experience with dating sites compared to 38% of similarly aged men.
Recommendations for New Online Daters Over 50
Given that dating platforms differ by user age and the focus of dating outcomes desired by users (for example, some dating apps cater to people looking for long-term relationships, whereas others are focused on finding a sexual partner or friend), carefully selecting a site is important.
For those over 50 who may be new to online dating, the National Council on Aging has a few recommendations. Be careful about sharing any specific information about your personal life, such as where you live and work. When deciding to meet someone for a first date, always meet in a public place and tell a trusted friend where you’re going. As you would in any relationship, maintain your boundaries, especially around sex and money.
The Naked Truth
Research suggests that Americans over 50 are increasingly using online dating platforms to meet romantic partners, especially through sites like Match.com. Often, they’re looking for long-term or casual partnerships. For those new to online dating, safety is a top priority. Carefully selecting in-person dating locations, keeping financial and personal information private, and maintaining healthy boundaries are essential.
Copyright Cortney S. Warren, Ph.D., ABPP
Note: This content is only for informational and educational purposes and should not be considered therapy or any form of treatment. I cannot respond to personal requests for advice over the internet. Best on your continued journey.
