I think we can all agree that online dating has revolutionized the way people meet and connect with each other, right ? I mean, at any given time, with just a few clicks, you’re opening the door to a world of potential partners or play things. However, there is a significant issue that has arisen in recent times… and that is the gender imbalance on these platforms. The male to female ratio on most dating apps is so heavily skewed in favour of men, creating a playing field that makes dating feel like more of an uphill battle than it already is. For everyone involved. So in today’s topic, we shall embark on a journey to unravel the nuances of how men and women approach online dating differently. And pose the questions, what if the ratio was more even? How would that change the dating game, and what are the benefits of a more balanced dating pool? Grab a glass of wine or your preferred beverage of choice my friend, and lets dive in…

Firstly, we have to acknowledge that the skewed male to female ratio on dating apps is a complex interplay of factors, both societal and psychological. Historically, men have been encouraged to be more proactive in pursuing romantic relationships. While women have been socialized to adopt a more passive role. These gender roles which are deeply rooted in cultural norms of course manifest in the digital realm, where men tend to outnumber women in their pursuit of connections.

Then we have to consider the experiences of women on dating apps, and why they are the consistent minority. Women are more likely to face harassment, abuse, and unwanted attention online, which will only ever lead to feelings of discomfort and disengagement. The swiping culture also seems to favour men. Men are more likely to swipe right on every profile, hoping to increase their chances of finding a match. Women, on the other hand, tend to be more selective and take their time browsing through profiles. This means that men are more likely to get matches, which further perpetuates the male-dominated environment. And on the flip side of that, women most probably find themselves inundated with messages. Sorting through a never-ending stream from men who may or may not be a good match can be exhausting, pressure filled and time-consuming. And in turn, they become entirely disenchanted with the whole process.

The gender imbalance has also resulted in an increase of superficiality on dating apps. Men, who greatly outnumber women, tend to be more superficially selective. And as a result, are often more interested in characteristics such as physical appearance rather than deeper, more meaningful connections. This emphasis on looks over substance can make it difficult for women to find men who are genuinely interested in getting to know them beyond their appearance.

Clearly, the answer to this specific dilemma is a more even male to female ratio. But, how do we achieve this? One solution that comes to the very forefront of my mind is to encourage more women to join dating apps. By not only promoting the benefits of online dating, but also creating and continuing to ensure a safer, more enjoyable environment for them. Now I can only speak for us here at FROME, but we are incredibly serious about safety. You can read all about our benefits in this previous blog post ( https://stagingsite.firstroundsonme.co/safety-first/ ) but it was with women in mind that decided to go the extra mile.

We can also work to reduce the stigma around dating apps, which statistically speaking more women feed into. For some bizarre reason, women are often judged more harshly for using apps. And may feel embarrassed or ashamed to admit that they’re using one, which can further contribute to the gender imbalance.

And overall, I think it’s time to bid farewell to the outdated stereotypes and gender roles that confine us. When both men and women have an equal opportunity to explore and connect, it dismantles the notion of dating as a competition. And by breaking free from societal expectations, we pave the way for a more egalitarian dating experience where women are seen as active participants and not just passive objects of desire. When we celebrate diverse expressions of masculinity and femininity, we pave the way for a more inclusive and balanced dating pool.

Now, we have to talk about the very real benefits that would befall us if the ratio were more even…

With a more even ratio, women have the freedom to explore their dating options without feeling pressured to settle down. We can embrace our independence, follow our passions, and prioritize personal growth. This leads to relationships built on mutual respect and shared aspirations, rather than societal expectations or the fear of being left on the shelf. A more balanced dating ratio also means that authenticity would reign supreme. The pressure to compete for attention diminishes and women would feel liberated to showcase their true selves, quirks and all. Without fear of being overlooked or judged solely on superficial criteria.

Of course, men would also reap the rewards of a more even playing field. One of the biggest challenges for our Y chromosome counterparts is standing out in a sea of other profiles. This can lead to a sense of desperation and a feeling that they need to act fast before someone else swoops in. They may feel pressured to send more messages, be more aggressive, or even resort to using misleading or false information to get noticed. Actions that most definitely lead to frustration, disappointment, and even a decrease in self-esteem. Instead, if the playing were more even-keeled, they could focus on making a genuine connection with someone, safe in the knowledge that they’re not competing with thousands of other men for the same woman’s attention.

Another major benefit of a more even ratio is that it would encourage people to be more honest about their intentions. When there are fewer options available, people are less likely to engage in “breadcrumbing” or other forms of games. Instead, they’ll be more likely to be upfront about what they’re looking for, which ultimately leads to more successful matches and happier couples.

But perhaps the most profound impact of a more balanced dating pool would be the quality of connections forged. With a more equal distribution of available partners, we are encouraged to invest time and effort into getting to know one another on a deeper level. The pressure to compete or settle for less-than-ideal matches diminishes, allowing for a more authentic and meaningful connection to blossom. It becomes a quest for compatibility rather than a frantic scramble for attention, and the resulting relationships are richer and more fulfilling.

A more balanced ratio creates an environment where meaningful connections flourish, a richer pool of potential matches reside, and a leveled playing field where everyone’s voice can be heard. It’s a world where women have the freedom to explore their options without feeling overwhelmed, and men have the opportunity to showcase their unique qualities without getting lost in a sea of competition. While the task of achieving this balance may seem daunting, it’s not impossible. So let us dare to dream of a dating landscape where balance reigns supreme. Until next time x