Are you single and considering giving online dating a try? Maybe you hope to start a new relationship, maybe you are a really busy no-strings-attached type who wants nothing more than a little bit of casual fun now and then. And you want it easy, quick and available. And who could blame you for that? Online dating and hookup apps are so popular nowadays that choosing that option is a no-brainer, really.
If you are just starting on that route, however, the sheer number of sites available can be overwhelming. Whatever the situation, though, if you are not armed with the necessary information, the process can be both confusing and intimidating. That is why, the easiest way to classify the main types is by looking at them as either free or paid.
To Pay or Not?
That is the big question you need to answer first. If you want that stellar profile that will land you a hot date in no time, do you have to spend a ton of money on several membership fees here and there before you decide to stick with a particular app or do you go for the free hook up sites that are actually free? Do you sign up because it does not involve an investment, or if it does, will it really pay off?
We are surrounded by things with a price tag on a daily basis, and there is just no option to get them otherwise. We need to put food on the table, fill up the car tank in order to get to work, there are the water, internet, electricity bills, etc. That makes us jump at every opportunity to receive a service or item as a gift. If you are tempted by the dozens of open membership hookup sites, by all means give them a go. That's what you can do at the very beginning in order to get a sense of whether the whole thing is for you in the first place. However, there are certain aspects you should be aware of.
Characteristics Of Free Sites
These attract a huge number of single and taken (yes, taken) folk of all sorts. The fact that access is easy and not tied to a fee means that people will join for various reasons not necessarily tied to the site purpose. Some might simply be bored and look for someone to talk to because they have some spare time and a boy- or girlfriend that's otherwise occupied. There are the ones who are curious to find someone they know or simply think they are doing the detective work of tracking down a cheater. And last but not least, the thrill-seekers who are out for something casual. They are plenty and easy to come across.
The matching algorithm of these apps (you can read more about online dating algorithms in this article) will definitely lack the complexity of funded ones, as subscription money means support and resources invested in a more sophisticated functionality. You will most likely be connected with people in your vicinity rather than the ones which are likely to match your personal profile, which is not always bad, especially if you are not after something serious. If you try to find some common ground, something to connect over, that might prove a challenge, as personal traits and interests are not immediately apparent and you would need to strike a conversation in order to find out more about the person behind that profile.
The Paid Membership
If you are hesitating whether a more meaningful interaction will better suit you, give some of the paid platforms a try. Despite the need to make an investment of some sort, it does bring some undeniable advantages. The most important one is higher quality results. The people you will meet on there have made a conscious choice to devote some of their time and money, and more often than not have serious intentions about meeting a potential partner for a long-term relationship, sometimes even in view of starting a family.
This inevitably gives paid platforms a feeling of quality, not only in terms of service but also when it comes to the people you are going to meet on there. Since subscription fees mean they require your credit card details when you join, you are less likely to cross paths with dating scammers (which you can learn how to spot at https://www.wikihow.com/Spot-an-Online-Dating-Scammer), which cannot be said about free apps, unfortunately. Every member can be easily identified and tracked down, and this makes for a pretty safe dating experience. Another good news is that you can usually search for potential matches in terms of a pretty broad number of criteria, such as age, compatibility, religion, to name a few.
Making The Decision
OK, so now you are familiar with the basic characteristics of both types of hookup sites. You might even be wondering which option is the right one for you. There is tons of variety with each, so it is entirely up to your personal preferences and goals. On the other hand, if you are still unsure what exactly you are looking for, the free ones are an awesome place to start, try out and figure it out without it costing you a dime. Start with the ones that are actually 100 % free or give trial membership with the premium ones a try to feel them out before you decide whether to get your credit card involved.
Make sure you keep one thing in mind. The folk you are going to meet on the open subscription apps might not necessarily be interested in dating, as these websites tend to attract a huge number of members who are only after one-night stands and nothing more. If you happen to fall into this category, your choice is a no-brainer. You will be able to get what you are interested in without having to splurge. Seems like the best of both worlds, right? And if your goals change later, you can decide accordingly.
