It’s second nature for us to whip out our phones and start scrolling wherever we are, even on a date. But staring at a screen does make it harder to pay attention to the person sitting in front of us in real life, which is what we’re supposed to be doing on a date, right? Hinge has done research into this and found:
- Three-quarters (75%) of Hinge users are more hesitant to open up to their date if the person is on their phone when they meet up.
- And 78% of the dating app’s users assume their match isn’t interested if they’re on their phone during the date.
Hinge wants to help people have more meaningful connections by staying off their phones when they’re on a date, so they’ve created a new Distraction Free Dating Guide to help them do it. Logan Ury, Hinge’s director of relationship science, explains, “When you put your phone away, it’s easier to focus on the other person and create those memorable first-date conversations that propel you into a relationship.”
The guide includes advice and 20 date ideas to help get you off the phone. These are Hinge’s top do’s and don’ts for phone etiquette during dates:
- Put your phone on silent and keep it out of sight.
- If you have to use your phone to look at a restaurant’s QR code menu or respond to an urgent message, make it quick and then put your phone away again.
- If you have plans for after the date, make the arrangements in advance, so you’re not multitasking on your phone during the date.
- Try not to get into any intense conversations or read work emails right before the date, since this can distract you and make you feel like you need to get back to someone.
- Don't pull your phone out during the date to show someone a meme. But you can use this as a way to connect with them later.
- Leave wearable tech, such as your Apple Watch, at home or turn off your notifications so you won’t be tempted to look at it.
Source: Mashable