The internet has served as a vital platform for lesbian, gay, and bisexual individuals to connect with each other, especially when physical spaces may be inaccessible or unwelcoming.
A survey conducted by the Pew Research Centre noted that lesbian, gay, and bisexual Americans are more likely than their heterosexual counterparts to use dating sites or apps are.
The survey found that 51% of lesbian, gay, and bisexual adults used an online dating platform, compared to 28% of straight individuals. Additionally, 13% of lesbian, gay, and bisexual adults stated that they at present used an online dating platform, 11% used one in the past year, and 27% used one more than a year ago at the time of the survey. These findings highlight the significance of online platforms in facilitating connections and relationships for the LGBTQ+ community.
AGE AND GENDER DIFFERENCES
Among LGB adults, 54% of those aged 18 to 49 used a dating site or app, compared to 39% of those aged 50 to 64 and 30% of those aged 65 and older. However, LGB adults in age groups under 65 are likely to use dating platforms, unlike the pattern observed among straight adults.
LGB men are more likely than LGB women to have used an online dating platform (57% vs. 46%) and to currently use one (17% vs. 9%). The report also points to similar gender differences among straight adults.
Among partnered LGB adults, 24% report having met their significant other through online dating. LGB men are more likely than LGB women to say they met their partner through a dating site or app (37% vs. 18%).
MOST COMMONLY USED DATING SITES AND APPS
The survey indicates that lesbian, gay, and bisexual individuals who date online tend to use different dating apps and sites at varying rates based on their gender. They are more likely than men to have used the dating app HER, specifically designed for queer women and gender-diverse individuals. However, the most common app among lesbian, gay, and bisexual women is Tinder, with around six out of ten reporting having used it. Additionally, equal shares of lesbian, gay, and bisexual men and women have tried dating platforms such as OkCupid, Match, Hinge, or eharmony.
They also use Grindr, a dating app catering to gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer individuals. Approximately six out of ten lesbian, gay, and bisexual men who have dated online report having used Grindr. Similarly, to women, equal shares of men and women have tried popular dating platforms like OkCupid, Match, Hinge, or eharmony.
EXPERIENCES AND ATTITUDES
A majority of online dating users (61%) report an overall positive experience, with similar proportions among men (64%) and women (56%) share this sentiment.
Many lesbian, gay, and bisexual adults who have used online dating platforms in the past year express both excitements (85%) and disappointment (84%) regarding the people they encounter on these platforms.
A significant portion of lesbian, gay, and bisexual online daters report encountering negative behaviours. This includes receiving unsolicited sexually explicit messages (56%), experiencing persistent contact after expressing disinterest (42%), and subjected to offensive name-calling (33%). The prevalence of these negative experiences is comparable between men and women. Additionally, half of lesbian, gay, and bisexual online daters indicate encountering potential scammers on these platforms, although this experience is more common among men (60%) than women (41%) are.
Lesbian, gay, and bisexual adults have mixed views on the impact of online dating. While 40% believe it has made it easier to find a partner or spouse, approximately equal proportions view its effect as mostly positive (20%) or mostly negative (19%) on dating and relationships.
