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DATING APPS ADD A TWIST TO TRADITIONAL MATCHMAKING

DATING APPS ADD A TWIST TO TRADITIONAL MATCHMAKING

Anukriti Sharma / TNN / Updated: Jul 22, 2024, 13:25 IST

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Revolutionary matchmaking apps are changing the game of finding love! Say goodbye to traditional methods as young Indian singles prioritize compatibility over caste and finances. With AI algorithms, privacy features, and strict verification processes, these apps are the new way to connect authentically. Is this the end of old-school matchmakers?

DATING APPS ADD A TWIST TO TRADITIONAL MATCHMAKING

Finding the right life partner is no cake walk but help is coming from an unexpected source – matchmaking apps! Uday, an assistant manager at a start-up, and Esha, a marketing consultant, who found a potential life partner in each other via such an app. Likewise, Roohi, a management trainee, and Akshay, a sales manager, preferred it over Seema aunty-esque Indian matchmakers to find each other.

Turns out, the dating-turned-matchmaking-apps are not just about casual flings or brief partnerships anymore.

In Indoo Ki Jawani, Kiara Advani plays the role of a girl who finds love via dating apps

Dating + Matrimony = Datrimony?

There are dating apps and there are matrimonial apps. But there's the sweet spot in between—the matchmaking app. These platforms market themselves as going beyond mere swiping, focusing on compatibility, shared values, and genuine connections to help users find their perfect match.

The socio-cultural change is even getting documented in pop culture. Parents too are also evolving and letting their kids figure out a good match

Snehil Khanor, founder of a matchmaking app

A still from the series Indian Matchmaking

Seema Taparia in a still from Indian Matchmaking. Youngsters are taking matters in their hands when it comes to finding a match now

‘People are prioritising compatibility more’
Snehil Khanor, founder of one such app, explains, “On any matrimonial site, the first few things that people are asked are caste, family wealth etc, which has become a turn off for youngsters. Relationships and gender roles are changing with time, and the means to find a partner also needs to evolve. People are prioritising compatibility more now.” Agreeing, Pragya Parimita Naik, brand and content growth manager of another app, says, “Our users like it because they have privacy and can communicate without any involvement of the family.” AI plays a pivotal role in matching profiles based on compatibility, trait queries, etc, ensuring a rigorous process that deters those looking for casual flings. Studies suggest that people in the 28-38 age group are opting to register on matchmaking apps.

Matrimonial websites are usually managed by families, siblings etc. It may feel like a community effort. But now there is a shift in mindset because people intend to take individual decisions when it comes to settling down in life

Radhika Mohta, matchmaker and relationship coach

How to combat fake profiles?
Getting conned on apps is a pertinent issue among people, according to 2024 research by McAfee. Almost 77% of Indians reported encountering fake profiles or AI-generated photos on dating platforms or social media, while 39% fell victim to romance scams. To weed out dishonest users, most apps now:
-Charge a fee
-Ask users to answer a detailed questionnaire before registering
-Verify identity using Aadhar card or other documents
-Monitor profiles with automated alerts and human moderators
-Flag suspicious content and warn against off-platform communication attempts

The idea is not to isolate parents while making big decisions but ensure transparency while connecting with the right partner. Matrimonial apps or meets arranged by parents don’t allow you to be your authentic self

Peeyush Khandelwal, chartered accountant, who met his partner via such an app

45%
Young Indian singles are looking for a long-term relationship
(Source: OnePoll)
40%
Global users are looking for a long-term relationship
(Source: Tinder)

Even if you end up liking someone that your parents have shortlisted, kundali matching, financial status etc result in compatibility taking a backseat. When you are finding someone on your own, you can discuss important things without inhibitions

Sakshya Chauhan, who met his partner through such an app

A reality show What The Love Karan, saw Karan Johar play mentor to six single people, and help them find love

Before you meet someone:
-Do a vibe check
-Do a video call or a phone call for 15 mins
-Always opt for a crowded spot, not a secluded place
-Check LinkedIn to substantiate the crucial info shared with you and to know if they are working actively
-Use Google lens or scan the picture to check authenticity
(As shared by Radhika Mohta, a matchmaker and relationship coach)
We continue to keep dating safe and fun by introducing new features such as Share My Date, where friends and family
can know where and who you are meeting and Matchmaker™, where friends and families can be invited to recommend profiles to users, making the dating process more inclusive and supportive
-Papri Dev, VP, Communications, APAC, Tinder

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