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This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at UCT chapter.

Dating, in general, can be scary. We do not know the casual bar person when they order us a drink, but now online dating allows us to have that upper hand. I provide you with basics steps which will help guide you on this tech experience. So, before deciding on your potential life partner, you’ll need to own the space and make your intentions loud and clear. 

Set the stage

Know your platform. Even the Bachelorette knew the mansion before inviting twenty men into it. Have your moment scrolling through the different online applications that PlayStore has to offer and allow yourself to understand each platform for its uses. 

For example, if you are looking for a casual hook-up or a setting where anyone can make the first move, Tinder is the one for you. 

If you love to be in control and set the bar, then Bumble allows you to not only swipe but allows you to set the tone on how your conversation will look like. Setting the stage will allow you to be in control of your social experience.

Present the bio

Are you obsessed with Harry Potter? Are you looking for a partner that can quote all the lines from Sex Education? Well, mention these obsessions in your bio. Let your future partner know exactly what you’re into and what you hope they are into as well.

Looking for someone humble who loves your terrible singing to karaoke? Present your favourite hobbies, star-sign, age, location and other basic characteristics that your partner will need. Pick a photo that is tasteful yet compliments your personality. 

Mention these quirks in your bio because on dating applications there is really no shame.

Find your flavour

Find someone that has the same values as you, whether it is religion, morals or just believing Kanye will be the next president of the United States of America. It will help to know what you’re looking for before swiping for your perfect match. Look for verification before swiping. Bumble has little blue tick icons on profile images that verify them. There are those who are too good to be true, so make sure you understand who really is who they say they are and who is definitely not a Greek God.

Ready, steady, swipe.

Slow your roll

Take your time while entertaining your potential bae. Moving from your dating platform to social messengers can be quite the leap, but don’t worry as it allows you to put that person into your contacts and into your everyday social setting. The application falls away and you can get to know them through other daily conversations.

Pick the picnic

Picking a location to meet your online date can be nerve-racking, but picking the right setting can ease your nerves. An activity like putt-putt, laser-tag or bowling can show how your date behaves in certain situations. 

A coffee-date is always the best if you’re interested in those intellectual conversations over the best cappuccino. Whether or not it is a quiet setting, make sure it is public. Your safety is number one, so sending your location to a loved one is always a good idea. 

If you’re still not sure, invite a friend or two along. Your friends can be roped into a beach date or a movie at the Galileo.

 

You are five easy steps away from swiping and finding your Peter Kavinsky or Lara Jean. No love letters needed.

Bachelor of Arts in Film, English & Media Studies I'm just a girl with the chance to write about beautiful places, people and other worldly phenomena (Desai, 2020) ?