In an interview with Rachel of CGTN America, Cyber-Dating Expert’s founder Julie Spira speaks with Rachelle Akuffo about the mobile dating industry in the United States.

With apps including Match, Tinder, OkCupid, and Plenty of Fish in the Match Group, to Bumble, and comparing mobile app usage with social networks, we took a look at the digital landscape for singles looking for love.

Julie Spira is America’s Top Online Dating Expert and Digital Matchmaker. She’s the Founder and CEO of Cyber-Dating Expert, a dating coaching company, and has been helping singles find love on the Internet for over two decades with her Irresistible Coaching programs.

FOLLOW @JulieSpira on Twitter and Instagram

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Are you breaking the Rules of Netiquette on Valentine’s Day?

With Valentine’s Day around the corner, it’s time to brush up on your social media etiquette skills.

We know that you’re excited about your upcoming date or new relationship, but are you both on the same digital page?

Here are some Dos and Don’ts on how to handle social media and love on February 14^th.

DO: send a fun and flirty “Happy Valentine’s Day” text to the person you’ll be spending the holiday with. It will generate excitement leading up to your date.

DON’T: Keep your phone on the table during the date or check text messages. It sends a message that someone else is more important than you are.

DO: Send a text message inviting them for a SKYPE date if you can’t be together or if they live out of town.

DON’T: Post photos of the two of you as a couple on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram unless both of you decide together that you don’t mind your extended network to view your whereabouts.

DO: Post a photo of the cute red or pink dress you might be wearing on your date.

RELATED: THE DEFINITIVE VALENTINE’S SURVIVAL GUIDE

DON’T: Tag your new boyfriend on Facebook. Chances are he hasn’t told his buddies and work pals about his Valentine’s plans.

DO: Post a photo if you’ve received flowers, a fun gift, or of the dessert at dinner. Everyone loves to view the photos and will cheer you on with ‘likes.’

DON’T: Post your “Happy Valentine’s” message on your date’s wall. Saying you can’t wait until the evening together should remain private. Remember, a simple post may be innocent. However your friends might wonder what kind of wild night the two of you will be having. Or worse yet, his ex-girlfriend might start posting inappropriate comments to ruin your evening.

DO: Send a digital gift, such as his or her favorite band on iTunes, an e-card, or a redeemable gift card to a store or restaurant.

DON’T: Send a musical playlist of “I Love You?”songs if you haven’t said those three little words yet.

DO: Ask for permission before you post anything online. Remember you?re creating a permanent digital footprint and your status and photos can be shared, even by people you don’t know.

DON’T: Overshare. Remember, many of your friends are single and may not be enjoying the day.

DO: Make an exciting announcement. If you become engaged on Valentine’s Day, your friends will want to know.

DON’T: Change your Facebook relationship status to ‘In a Relationship’ until both of you have had the talk and agree to be on the same digital page.

Do you have any social media rules for Valentine?s Day?

Julie Spira is America’s Top Online Dating Expert and author of The Perils of Cyber-Dating and The Rules of Netiquette. For more online dating advice, follow @JulieSpira on Twitter and Instagram.

It’s Valentine’s week, and both singles and couples alike are filled with emotions, just by seeing red candy boxes in the stores. If you’re feeling the stress, there’s no need to fret. Our annual Cyber-Dating Expert Valentine’s Survival Guide is here to the rescue.

This year, Valentine’s Day falls on a Thursday, and right before a three-day holiday weekend. The options are endless, from starting with a Galentine’s celebration for the ladies on Valentine’s Eve, to staying home and watching a series of rom-com’s, to a weekend away with your boo.

At Cyber-Dating Expert HQ we’ve been hard at work putting together everything you need to have the perfect Valentine’s Day.  From date ideas, to gifts that won’t break the bank, and even how to fill your date card in time for Valentine’s super-fast using the best mobile dating apps.

Many of you who, I know, are single. Some would like to be coupled up, others are find spending time alone or with friends. Although Valentine’s Day is my favorite holiday, when I was single, I preferred to be dateless, over finding just someone to grab a fancy meal with.

I’ve gone to the movies with friends, gone alone to the theatre, stayed home and soaked in a bubble bath, and watched sappy movies.

Celebrate Galentine’s Day

via GIPHY

The past few years, “Galentine’s Day” has been on the radar. I think it’s a great idea to have a girls’ night out, regardless of your relationship status.

On Galentine’s Day, why don’t you schedule something fun with your girlfriends? It can be a potluck dinner at someone’s home, happy hour, or a movie marathon. It’s a day to celebrate the female friendships in your life, regardless of your relationship status.

Watch a Romantic Comedy

Whether you’re flying solo, are having a quiet night at home with in-room dining and candles, or are out with a group of your friends, there’s nothing like watching a rom-com to make you life, or commiserate with another lovelorn.

This year, the big film is “What Men Want,” but CableTV.com sent over a map of the most popular romantic comedies, just in time for Valentine’s Day. The movie that’s the most popular to watch across the country is “Pretty in Pink,” which was the favorite of one out of every four states.

Netflix and Chill?

And if you are staying in for a ‘Netflix and Chill or Not’ night, research from High Speed Internet shows one out of ten people dated someone just to get their Netflix account.

Other surprising stats singles would choose Netflix over having sex, and 2/3 of couples prefer their partner has the same Netflix tastes as they do.

Gift Giving For Every Relationship Stage

Valentine’s Day expensive, we get it. In fact, a survey from the National Retail Federations shows that about $143.56 was spent on Valentine’s Day last year per person, and $2 billion was spent on flowers alone! Here’s a list of suggestions from first date to getting engaged, and please remember to bring a card. [Read More]

Social Media Rules for Valentine’s

If you are one of the 6 million people who are getting engaged on Valentine’s Day, or are changing your relationship status to “In a Relationship,” post away to spread the good news but don’t tag your date without their permission. Remember your friends might not be feeling great about their relationship status, so err on caution with the lovey-dovey posts. [Read More]

Signs You’re Headed for a Valentine’s Breakup

It’s still breakup season, with the day before and the day after Valentine’s showing a spike in relationship endings.

If your significant other is going out of town, making plans without you, texting you less, says they’re not interested in celebrating this year, these are clear signs your relationship could be headed for a split.

RELATED: The Post-Valentine’s Day Breakup

Valentine’s Day is a big deal to most women, and guys know it. So if you’ve been dating someone, and he suddenly has an office party or meeting to attend, be bold and ]call it quits. It’s better to be single on Valentine’s Day watching movies and hanging with your friends, instead of being in a relationship that’s headed south.

“After all, more people want to stream movies instead of having sex, and you won’t be the only one requesting the song “I Will Survive” by Gloria Gaynor.

Wishing you much love and joy on Valentine’s Day, or wherever you may swipe or roam.

Julie Spira is America’s Top Online Dating Expert. She’s the founder of Cyber-Dating Expert, and as an early adopter of the Internet, has been coaching singles on finding love online for over two decades. 

SIGN UP for the Free Weekly Flirt newsletter and FOLLOW @JulieSpira on Twitter and Instagram.

Celebrating Valentine’s Day can be confusing depending on if you’re newly dating, or have a February 14th tradition with your steady squeeze.

While ignoring Valentine’s Day will put you in the dog house if you’re in a relationship, the financial and emotional pressure of ignoring the most romantic day of the year doesn’t need to cause so much stress that you’d rather ‘Netflix and Chill’ at home all by yourself.

In fact, a survey from the National Retail Federations shows that about $143.56 was spent on Valentine’s Day last year per person, and $2 billion was spent on flowers alone! Men also tend to spend twice as much as women do on Valentine’s Day, with $4.7 billion being spent on jewelry!

So what do you get that new crush who asked you to be his or her Valentine?

New Relationship Gifts

I’m a believer of keeping it simple when it comes to going on a date with someone you’ve just met. What do you do if it’s just your second or third date, or if you’ve been dating for about one month?

Start the day by sending a Happy Valentine’s Day text or cute meme from Giphy in a text message to show you’re thinking of them.

via GIPHY

When it comes to gift giving, you can never go wrong with bringing chocolate, flowers, coupon books, and gift cards.

To stand out and not over-do it, remember to pick up a card, and pen a hand written message, grab a bunch of red tulips to show you’re not smothering your date, and stay away from jewelry and lingerie.

If you’ve waited until the last minute, most grocery stores have terrific floral departments, where you can easily pick up a single rose and a box of candy

Dating for 3 – 6 Months

Couples who have already defined the relationship, but aren’t at the stage of committing for the long haul need to have a conversation with their partner on what Valentine’s Day means to them, and schedule the day/evening accordingly.

I spoke with a single guy who started to complain to his dates about how much he hates Valentine’s Day, and thinks gift giving and romantic gestures should be celebrated on birthdays and Christmas only. I was a bit stunned, and asked him if he liked football. He said he loved watching football. I then asked him if he watched the Super Bowl, and he said he wouldn’t miss it for anything and went to a great annual Super Bowl party.

RELATED: Why Valentine’s Day for Women is Like the Super Bowl for Men

I then brought up my analogy of how Valentine’s Day for women is like the Super Bowl for men. It’s THAT important. He understood, but again said it was a Hallmark holiday and not for him. I asked him if he fell in love with someone, would he celebrate Valentine’s with his partner?” He said no. It wasn’t for him.

I get it. Valentine’s Day can be expensive, but if in the first few months with someone you’re interested in isn’t being honored, you just might not make it to the summer.

At this point in the relationship, sending flowers to women in advance to be delivered before Valentine’s Day is a great idea.

If you have dinner plans, bring a gift or a token of your relationship, such as a framed photo of the two of you from a recent getaway, or a sterling silver key chain, which shows your date that they have the key to your heart.

If you want to give a gift with an experience, give him a gift card for a massage, a shave, or tickets to see his favorite sporting team when they’re in town.

For the woman in your life, add in a gift card for a facial, mani-pedi, or a ten-pack of movie tickets, so you can continue to plan movie dates together

Long Distance Relationships

Being away from your SO on Valentine’s Day can make even the most romantic couples feel lonely. Use technology as your best friend, and set up a Facetime or Skype date, where both of you are dressed up as if you were together IRL, have a glass of bubbly, and order dinner from your date’s favorite restaurant to nibble on during your video date.

It’s a great idea to send a card and care package in advance if you’re not living in the same city, state, or country. One year, my long-distance boyfriend sent me gift cards to Sephora to get a makeover , The Dry Bar for a blowout, before he arrived in town with his dozen hand selected long-stemmed roses. It was thoughtful and showed that he planned in advance, and I enjoyed getting ready for our romantic date.

Dating for 6 – 12 Months

By now, you probably have a toothbrush or even a key at each other’s place. If you haven’t exchanged keys, putting yours in a card on Valentine’s Day shows a level of commitment to the relationship.

At this point, depending on your budget, you could order a sterling engraved money clip or cuff links for him, and a sterling heart for her. It shows the sentiment, and ramps it up on the most romantic day of the year.

Since Valentine’s Day is on a Thursday this year, and right before the long President’s holiday weekend, you can plan a trip away, or celebrate Valentine’s all weekend long, when the restaurants aren’t as booked up.

The folks at Pinhole Press came up with this fun Infographic, if you’re stumped on how to celebrate Valentine’s Day.

Julie Spira is America’s Top Online Dating Expert and Digital Matchmaker. She’s the founder of Cyber-Dating Expert, and as an early adopter of the Internet, has been coaching singles on finding love online for over two decades.

FOLLOW @JulieSpira on Twitter and Instagram

Valentine’s Day is around the corner, and it’s both an exciting time for couples and romantics, but can also be a stressful time for singles and those who are newly dating, and haven’t defined their relationship status.

On Spectrum News 1, I joined Afternoon Beat host Kelvin Washington to talk about some ways to speed up your search, and find a Valentine’s date online.

1. Update Your Profile – Mention You Like Valentine’s Day

If you’re a hopeful romantic and love Valentine’s Day, it’s not time to put your head under the covers.

If you log on and update your profile, be bold and say, “I’m an incurable romantic, and love Valentine’s Day. It sends a message that you’d be open to meeting someone on or before Valentine’s Day.

I also recommended wearing something red for the season. After all, red is the color of love, and research backs up that profiles where women wear red do get more views.

2. Check Who Has Viewed Your Profile

If you’d like to send a message that will have a greater chance of getting a reply, on the Match app, you can see who has viewed your profile. If they’ve checked you out, but didn’t have time to write to you, it’s a good chance that your digital nudge just might turn into a date.

3. Be Online During Rush Hour

Depending on where you live, chances are being stuck in traffic during morning or afternoon drive is pretty unpleasant.

For online dating and mobile dating apps, being logged on during “Rush Hour,” is a traffic jam you’ll want to be in leading up to Valentine’s Day.

So when is Rush Hour, and how can you stand out even more?

Rush hour is the busiest on Sunday evenings, and according to OkCupid, their Rush Hour starts as early as 2pm on Sundays. I’ve found Monday nights, or just about any night when you’re home from work to find the most active users.

If you want to stand out more during Rush Hour, for less than the price of a cup of coffee, you can sign up for OkCupid’s Boost, which will give you 30 minutes of time to appear more frequently for $1.99, Match’s Boost, where you’ll be seen by three times more for $2.99 for a one-hour period, Tinder’s Boost, where you can “skip the line” and show up as a top profile for 30 minutes for $3.99, and Bumble’s new Spotlight feature, which costs two coins, or about $3.00.

4. Log On More Frequently

After you’ve tweaked your profile, viewed your matches and those who have already viewed your profile, sent out a few messages, it’s time to keep your app open for a while.

The reason I suggest not logging out, is because profiles with the most activity tend to be favored by the mysterious and magical dating algorithms, and you simply will show up more often to potential dates.

5. Take Your Relationship From Online to Offline

Chatting and texting can be fun, but it’s time to meet IRL (in real life), so suggest meeting for coffee, swapping digits and having a conversation.

It’s time to avoid becoming just a digital pen pal to someone you’ll never meet.

Life is too short to have an empty date card, when there are so many easy ways to find a quality date online.

Wishing you much love and joy in cyberspace, or wherever you may swipe or roam on Valentine’s Day.

Julie Spira is America’s Top Online Dating Expert and Digital Matchmaker. She was an early adopter of the Internet and has been coaching singles on finding love online for over two decades.

FOLLOW @JulieSpira on Instagram