Did you know, in a recent survey, 61% people, in the age group of 35-40, said that they have found dates on networking sites, like LinkedIn? Yes, gone are the days when LinkedIn was just a platform for networking, job hunting, and connecting with like-minded professionals. Today, LinkedIn is emerging as a unique, surprising contender in the dating scene, especially among Indian millennials!
And why not? Millennial (and even Gen-Z) are now increasingly becoming disillusioned with dating apps, also known as dating app fatigue or burnout. The constant swiping, the anxiety of not knowing if the person you are connecting with is genuine or not, and increasing cases of online dating scams being reported – dating apps are leaving more people exhausted than excited. And this is especially true for women, given the increasing safety concerns as it is.
But does it mean we stop looking for love (or dates!)? This is why more and more people, especially women, are now turning to networking apps, such as LinkedIn. It’s almost like you’re getting a backstage pass to someone’s life before you swipe left or right – you can discover someone’s career path, interests, ambitions, and most importantly, mutual connections.
Let’s dive a bit more into how LinkedIn is bringing a fresh twist to finding love, and maybe even helping people find a future partner in the process!
Why LinkedIn For Finding Love?
Here’s why building “connection” is better than simple left-and-right swiping.
1. Real Profiles, Real People:
LinkedIn profiles often provide a far deeper glimpse into a person’s real world, more than any dating app can. In contrast to curated dating profiles with filtered selfies and quirky one-liners, LinkedIn offers a more “genuine” snapshot—career-driven, yet real. Here, people showcase their professional journey, education, achievements, and interests, creating a more authentic impression that’s harder to fake.
2. The ‘Common Connection’ Advantage:
Well, before you meet someone or go on a date, knowing if you have any common connections or mutual friends can put your mind at ease. LinkedIn, with its network-building algorithm, makes this super simple. By showing how you’re connected, it’s easier to find that common ground and kick off conversations with people who already feel somewhat familiar.
3. Shared Ambition and Values:
Millennials have always been looking for building relationships with deeper connection. But this is no longer limited to just them, even Gen-Z now wants to skip “Netflix and chill” to try “simmer dating” aka taking it slow. And one of the best ways to build a deeper connection is by finding someone whose career goals and life ambitions align with you. LinkedIn allows you to observe someone’s journey, which can give a better idea of shared values and ambitions, which can be an appealing foundation for a potential relationship.
4. Less Pressure, More Connection:
Dating apps can sometimes feel like a place where everything is goal-oriented: swipe, match, meet, and repeat. LinkedIn’s unique advantage is that it allows for natural, pressure-free interactions. Over here, connections can bloom over weeks or months, giving relationships time to develop in a more organic way.
5. Safe and Secure:
LinkedIn is a professional platform with stricter standards of conduct. People are often more polite and restrained here than on casual dating apps. Plus, the absence of superficial ‘matches’ allows for more genuine conversations without the pressure to quickly escalate into romantic territory.
You might also like to read: Simmer Dating – This new dating term is Gen Z’s response to Casual Relationships
Tips for Turning Contacts into Connections
Here’s how you can smoothen your way from Connection to Chemistry –
#1. Start with a ‘Genuine’ Connection Request: If you want to spark something beyond the professional, it’s all about sending a genuine connection request. Add a thoughtful message like, “Hi, I saw your post on XYZ topic and found it inspiring!” Authenticity is key here.
#2. Play it Cool and Keep it Professional: Unlike dating apps, where a certain amount of flirty language is expected, LinkedIn is first and foremost a professional space. Keep the tone respectful, warm, and intriguing.
#3. Engage with them: Show genuine interest in their opinions or posts by commenting, sharing, or engaging with their articles. It’s a safe way to show you are genuinely interested in their thoughts and opinions without putting pressure on the conversation.
#4. Find Mutual Interests Beyond Work: It’s easy to slip into work-talk, but people enjoy engaging on other levels, too. Mentioning topics like travel, books, or a shared hobby outside of work can make your conversations more relatable and less “interview-style.”
#5. Use LinkedIn Stories to Your Advantage: LinkedIn Stories give you a chance to share a glimpse of your daily life and interests. Share snippets from conferences, weekend activities, or hobbies. It’s like Instagram, but more grown-up, so people can get to know you beyond the professional façade.
For those looking for a relationship based on respect, shared ambition, and mutual interests, finding love on LinkedIn can provide a refreshing alternative to the conventional dating apps. And, here’s the best part? You don’t even have to quit if you’re unsuccessful – you will still have a network full of potential professional connections, which is a win-win!
So next time you’re updating your LinkedIn profile, remember: you might just be updating your love life, too.
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