'Biggest green flags' single people look for in a dating profile, per survey

Online matchmaking apps play a major role in modern dating. While they have their challenges, many success stories have blossomed from online connections. That’s why a person's bio can be key to landing the right match. If you're feeling anxious about crafting the perfect profile, a recent Forbes Health survey could help. It reveals several "green flags" that make a dating profile stand out—traits you'll want to highlight if you're hoping to get swiped right.

The survey, conducted between March 27 and April 1, 2024, included 1,000 American adults who used a dating app in the past year. One focus of the study was uncovering the traits of an ideal dating profile. On average, it takes just two-and-a-half minutes for someone to decide whether to swipe right or left. In that short window, your profile has to make a great impression. So, participants were asked which "green flag" traits caught their eye, and the answers were pretty insightful.

The number one attribute? A good sense of humor. Over 82% of participants, both men and women, agreed that humor is essential. Next on the list was having interesting hobbies, interests, or pastimes. The third "green flag" trait that made a profile worthy enough to swipe right was "a good sense of style." More than a good-looking person, single people preferred those with a good style and an interesting personality. Travel lovers would make it to the top 5 biggest green flag dating profiles because over 71% of the participants looked for "interest in travel" in their match. Looks like, one can score if they have a cute picture featuring their pet. Yes! Dating profiles with pets in the photo were preferred by 65% of the participants.

Beyond these top five traits, participants also appreciated seeing family photos, voice notes, and political views in profiles. While making a note of these green flags, one must also remember to avoid the "dating profile icks." The survey found that 70% of the participants disliked "negativity or bitterness" in dating profile bios and 63% of them despised "overly-edited or filtered photos. Flaunting material possessions in your dating profile will also make you less desirable and so does poor grammar and spelling. Show-offs and "cheesy" pick-up lines are a big no-no. In general, singletons expect that their match had put some effort into their profile.

On a similar note, many women on Reddit shared the biggest green flag in men and it's eye-opening. When u/AlbatrossPretend7320 inquired about what constituted "green flags" in guys for the women, some interesting insights poured in. Aspects like kindness towards animals, having a hobby for pleasure, a good sense of humor, and a healthy relationship with their parents and family made men more desirable to women. Also, when it comes to forming a relationship, women expect men to be considerate enough to disagree in an amicable way, take an interest in their partner's likes and show genuine attention.