Rushed and sloppy messages are getting out of control, and it’s turning daters off. Big time.
In fact, according to new research by dating app Badoo, a huge 69% of singles find this to be true, with many believing a potential suitor’s first message is what gives them the biggest insight into their personality and values (18%) – surprisingly, much more than someone’s pictures (16%) and/or dating app bio (15%).
But what’s the real issue with lazy messaging? Over a third (40%) of daters think if someone can’t be bothered to put effort into their messages, it’s unlikely they’ll put effort into a relationship. What’s more, 44% even admit they have – or would – break off a relationship because of poorly written or hard-to-understand messages.
And what exactly are Brits getting wrong? Half (49%) say they have received messages with bad spelling and/or grammar, with little to no punctuation (49%), or messages that just don’t make any sense (40%). Another 46% want to say goodbye once and for all to text/SMS language and leave it behind in the 00s like our old brick phones.
Our textbook errors are also screwing our chances of making intimate connections, as almost half (42%) of single Brits admit they’ve been put off when sexting a partner, due to misunderstanding a badly-written or incorrect message.
To help single Brits hone their craft and avoid messages getting lost in translation, Badoo has enlisted the help of straight-talking TV host, Anna Richardson, to provide simple messaging tips to help daters go from A (app) to D (date).
TV Host Anna Richardson says: “You might think the odd typo here or there isn’t a big deal, but it turns out the state of your dating app messages could just be scuppering your chances of love. That’s why I’ve teamed up with Badoo to teach you a lesson or two, and help you put your best foot forward when it comes to finessing your SMSing.”
The lessons include tips on how to avoid getting busted by the grammar police, how to avoid falling short when it comes to autocorrect, and why overdoing text language should be a thing of the past.
Remy Le Fevre, Head of Brand Engagement and Influence at Badoo, comments: “Daters lead busy lives which no doubt play a part in common messaging mishaps. However, these minor errors are getting in the way of singles finding the great connections they are looking for. A well-thought out message goes a long way – it’s the start to any fun and exciting dating journey, so it’s key to put effort into it. That’s why we’ve created these tips to help daters avoid the most common messaging faux pas and help them to achieve the best dating outcomes.”
