Americans spend just 31 seconds looking at a dating profile before moving on – biggest ‘icks’ on platforms revealed

A RECENT survey has shed light on the dating app habits of Americans, revealing what makes or breaks a potential match.

The survey polled 1,000 American adults who have used a dating app within the last year and explored the biggest "icks" that people experience.

Icks are those sudden feelings of disgust or dislike triggered by another person’s actions.

They could be anything from major icks, like the way somebody smells, to smaller and more dubious ones like talking too much or taking too many selfies.

The survey, conducted by Forbes Health in partnership with Talker Research, also looked into what qualities make someone more likely to swipe right.

One thing the survey found is that first impressions matter, especially on your dating profile.

The average time it takes for someone to decide whether to swipe right or left is nearly two and a half minutes.

Interestingly, almost a quarter of the respondents stated they spend just 31 to 60 seconds evaluating a profile, while 21% take one to two minutes.

A smaller group, just 20%, admitted they spent more than five minutes before making a decision.

However, only 12% reported being able to decide in less than 30 seconds.

The study also highlighted gender differences in dating app behaviors.

Women are more likely than men to share screenshots of potential matches with friends, with 51% of women admitting to this practice compared to 44% of men.

Generational differences were also evident, with 62% of Gen Z users sharing profiles that caught their eye, compared to only 32% of baby boomers on dating apps.

With only a few minutes to make a lasting impression, avoiding common icks is crucial.

The survey identified the top turn-offs in dating profiles.

Negativity or bitterness in a bio topped the list at 70%, followed closely by overly edited or filtered photos at 63%.

Other major deterrents included an emphasis on material possessions at 62%, and a noticeable lack of effort in creating the profile and exhibiting poor grammar or spelling at 60% each.

On the flip side, certain qualities make users more likely to swipe right.

According to the survey, having a good sense of humor is the most appealing attribute, with 82% of respondents citing it as a reason to match.

Other attractive traits include showcasing hobbies, interests, or pastimes with 80% thinking so, while 70% said having a good sense of style.

The downsides of having a massive age gap relationship

Dr. Jenn Mann, MFT, a licesesed therapist, reveals the key issues experienced by romantic partners with a huge age gap between them.

Dr. Mann claimed it might initially feel exciting when one partner is much younger than the other, like Bill Belichick, 72, and Jordon Hudson, 24, who share a whopping 48-year age difference.

"When people get older, they might just think it is refreshing that a young woman is looking at them adoringly and is attracted to them and is interested in him," Dr. Mann told The U.S. Sun.

"[But] there is a huge gap in life experience — in just years on this planet, in the way that helps us to evolve, develop, and mature."

"Even the most mature young person, when there is a 40-year age gap, the older people are incredibly immature.

"You're not meeting in the middle regarding development and life experience."

Dr. Mann said one common consideration for older male partners would be the younger female wanting a father figure.

"Usually, younger women are drawn to much older men because of unresolved issues with their fathers," Dr. Mann added.

"This could be a lack of attention, love, someone not being there, or even someone being in the household but not being present the way she might wish he was."

Dr. Mann noted that sexual and intimacy issues might begin to be at play, given the older partner may not have as much energy.

What's more, for older men, "it becomes more difficult typically to get and maintain an erection," she said.

"There are problems related to sexual performance, which can create other risks when it comes to taking medication for sexual performance."

Socially, Dr. Mann suggested that issues may arise between a couple when they mix with friends from different generations.

"In this case, if they're hanging with Bill's friends in their seventies or even sixties and fifties, a 24-year-old woman at that table will likely struggle to find common ground socially," she said.

By Emma Bussey

An interest in travel was also up there at 71%, while featuring a pet in one of the photos saw 65% of people swipe to match.

To stand out on dating apps, experts suggest getting specific when describing yourself.

Instead of vague statements like "I like to travel," users should explain what they love about traveling to make their profile more memorable and to attract like-minded people.

Cynthia Shaw, a licensed clinical psychologist, advises being genuine and enthusiastic when starting a conversation, aiming to present yourself as respectful, assertive, and curious about the person you’re reaching out to.