Half of the singles are using dating apps, Wells Fargo survey finds

More than half of all singles have used a dating app or online dating site, is one conclusion of a Wells Fargo survey revealed yesterday. In the US, one-quarter of all singles (25%) met or dated somebody online, with a third of all singles (35%) saying the pandemic made them more interested in meeting people online.

The national online survey consisted of 930 U.S. adults who have never been married, divorced, separated, or widowed. It was conducted by Versta Research on behalf of Wells Fargo Dec. 13-29, 2021.

The survey was focused on the dangers of online dating, and nearly two out of three (63%) have been contacted by somebody they thought might be a scammer — including 58% of those who are over 65.

Men, especially, are willing to take risks in meeting or dating an online romantic interest. Of those surveyed 62% would not check the person’s background (vs. 39% of women) — and more so (72%) with men age 65+. 37% would not get a second opinion from someone they trust (vs. 18% of women) — and more so (54%) with men age 65+. 36% would let the person pick them up at their home for a first date (vs. 14% of women). 29% would meet the person without talking by phone or video first (vs. 13% of women). 33% would meet the person even if sent an unsolicited provocative photo (vs. 6% of women). 20% would fly to a distant location to meet the person (vs. 12% of women). 12% would lend the person money for a health emergency (vs. 6% of women).

“Given that our survey results indicate that men — particularly over age 65 — are significantly more willing to take risks than women while dating online, we strongly suggest that they exercise more caution to protect themselves from potential scammers,” said Lauree Peterson-Sakai, strategy leader, Aging Client Services, Office of Consumer Practices at Wells Fargo.