If you were thinking about joining a dating site in the new year, you’re not alone (far from it, in fact).
The first Sunday of the new year happens to be the busiest day of the year, according to several dating apps and websites. Dubbed “Dating Sunday” or “Singles Sunday,” the name traces back to 2016 when the post-ball drop increase was noticed, and now it’s an unofficial holiday for those hoping to meet their match.
And there’s data to back up the hype. OkCupid revealed that they historically see a stunning 70% increase in user activity on Dating Sunday, while Tinder estimates that 10% of all swipes in the month of January occur on that date, adding that 44 million matches were made on the app in 2019 — just on Dating Sunday.
Why is there such a noticeable increase on this one day of the year? Julie Spira, an online dating expert, told USA Today that it was due to a variety of factors that happen to coincide.
“You have people recovering from a breakup or who were down during the holidays, you have all those New Year’s resolutions, and you have the clock ticking down to Valentine’s Day,” she said. “It’s the first lonely holiday after the New Year.”
And there’s a logical explanation for why the “holiday” falls on Sunday as well. The day of the week is traditionally the day that sees the most activity on dating apps, since work occupies time during the week and Saturday is often spent on social activities.
There are a few things you should think about before Dating Sunday hits. Take a good look at your profile and make sure it’s in top-notch shape, so when people are swiping more in the new year, you’ll have your best foot forward. Make sure your photos are recent and flattering. Give your bio an extra browse to be sure it’s engaging and full of message bait (nuggets that invite someone to message you with a question). If you’re having trouble, enlist a trusted friend (or dating coach) to give your profile a look to make sure it sounds like you.
Erika Ettin is the founder of A Little Nudge, where she helps others navigate the often intimidating world of online dating./Tribune News Service