Online dating for gay singles is a massive commodity these days. Do they have access to the same technological marvels as straight singles do, or are things run differently? We explore the details!
Dating sites and dating categories aimed exclusively at gays
The age-old problem with the whole bunch of dating sites is that the algorithm is not strong enough, and people slip the net. There have traditionally been straight men and even couples popping up on as matches for gays at some dating sites because either the verification or filtering is inadequate. This can be extremely off-putting for gay singles that are genuinely looking to meet someone compatible but instead get introduced to non-suitable profiles such as these.
Some are paired and matched with time wasters, people that aren’t aware of their sexual preference, those who simply want a quick hookup rather than long-term love, and worst of all, haters. Yes, there are certain bigots out there that will take the time and make an effort to sign up to a gay dating site, go through the motions of creating a profile before making contact with someone just to abuse them with nasty verbal. That is the sad homophobic reality of gay online dating of the past. So, what has changed?
It is not just the improvement of technology and the heightened security measures that have aided gay online dating but the advancement of society in general. Events like Pride and the fact that there are so many gay role models in prominent positions around the world now have taken LGBTQ awareness levels to unprecedented highs and have changed thousands of opinions.
By breaking down barriers and dismissing generalizations and stereotypes, global acceptance is creeping forward, and whilst there is still a lot of work to do, there is hope. This renewed sense of optimism is exciting but should still be met with caution as we are nowhere near the accepted level of tolerance and equality, but progress is progress, and online dating for LGBT singles has certainly benefitted from this global culture shift.
Gay chat rooms
There is now a plethora of sub-categories for gay singles to explore in, as a gay chat site exclusive to the LGBT community is easy to find and scroll through. Numerous break-off chat rooms are specific to other sexual preferences and lifestyle choices. This new way of meeting people is much more diverse and reflects the open nature of society today rather than simply put everyone that is not a conforming heterosexual under the same gay blanket, who can now express yourself and find others who share values, morals, choices, and pleasure of the same variety as you with judgment; we mean places where you can be you. Chat rooms and dating apps that reflect exactly who you are as a person and allow you the freedom of expression you desire to be an individual and surround yourself with like-minded people. Modern-day categories that have evolved include but are not limited to many areas, and this is undoubtedly an achievement in the dating industry.
Geo-matching for quick casual dates
In the corporate world, geolocation and geo-matching are common to bring customers to the market. Buyers are matched with manufacturers, and professionals are paired with companies that can benefit their products. This unique tool can be utilized in the world of online dating but with people instead of products. This may seem a bit inhuman and somewhat ‘cold’ on paper, but in reality, it works, and why wouldn’t it? Essentially it is simply a matchmaking exercise that all algorithms use, but this is more blatant with fewer subtleties to it.
Geo-matching makes it easier for people interesting in gay relationships to find it via a casual date or hookup rather than go through the entire process of chatting, meeting, waiting, and then finding out you either want different things or are just not compatible. The introduction of geo-matching into the online dating world just speeds things up in this impatient results-driven age that we live in, where digital prowess dominates over human interaction and people skills.
Reliable profile check
Trust is a key aspect of gay online dating, so the more authentic and genuine a site or app appears then the higher number of sign-ups they will receive. Equally, the stronger the reputation a brand can build will mean that their retention is strong, and they will have fewer users exit the platform to try something else. To achieve this, a number of security measures must be in place, or the site will struggle to accomplish anything substantial in terms of users or profit. So, what do these core elements look like?
They are represented in many different forms but are generally covered by but not limited to the following aspects in order to make the dating site more secure;
- Profile verification
- Facial recognition
- Two-factor authentication
- Image I.D
- Encrypted link to a LinkedIn profile or other social media
- Age verification
- Voice recognition
With these security measures in place, assurances are there for the average user to be able to trust the platform with their personal information and for them to freely interact with other users on the site and without discrimination of any kind. Any platform that does not have the majority of these key elements in place could be dubious, and you may wish to avoid it in case of scamming and hacking. This, of course, is not the case with all sites, especially those in their infancy, but precaution is advised at all times.
Monitoring system to exclude inappropriate content
Companies have had to invest in enhanced monitoring systems to make the dating site more secure, open-minded, tolerant, and accepting for the gay community and any other user. Some choose to go through the automated remote route, whilst others have chosen to employ actual people to exclude the inappropriate content from their platforms. This is all part of a necessary movement to tidy up certain unsavory areas of the industry that cause offense and make people uncomfortable. Improving this behavior will inevitably see a rise in participation levels as users trust the process more and more before gradually returning and being able to relax whilst interacting in this environment.