Mobile Dating App Use Will Be High This Thanksgiving Weekend
Hang tight to your mobile phones this weekend.
“Whether you’re feeling holiday love or holiday blues, one thing is certain: singles hoping to change their relationship status will be logging on and swiping right big time over Thanksgiving weekend. The holiday is the perfect time to reconnect with a hometown sweetheart — or match with someone new while you’re traveling.”
As a longtime mobile dating expert, I always recommend keeping your location-based apps on when you’re on the go. Updating your ZIP code before you travel boosts your visibility in advance, giving you more opportunities to match, chat, and plan a holiday coffee date.
Former Tinder Sociologist (and CDE Dating friend) Dr. Jess Carbino agrees:
“People typically tend to be attracted to those with a similar demographic background — from age, occupation, education and more. Individuals who grow up in the same areas are more likely to have shared experiences, making home a great place for singles with similar values to connect.””
It’s Still Cuffing Season
We all know the feeling — sitting at the Thanksgiving table while relatives ask if you’re dating anyone special. Add the fact that holiday decorations seem to go up earlier every year, the need to bundle up is at an all-time high, you’ve got the perfect storm for cuffing season. Thanksgiving falls in the middle of Cuffing’s regular season, where couples naturally grow closer leading up to the holidays.
Our friends at Tinder have reported a significant uptick in app activity over Thanksgiving weekend — a 23% increase compared to non-holiday weekends. So get ready to swipe big on your favorite apps, including Bumble, Grindr, Tinder, Zoosk, Match, OkCupid, and more.
If family conversation gets on your nerves — or if you’ve eaten too much turkey — slip away to another room and enjoy the swiping frenzy. And if you’re still traveling, switch your search location to where you’ll be spending the weekend — or activate Passport features to fill your date card before you even arrive.
Plus, It’s Breakup Season
The holidays are emotional, and that’s why this time of year is also known as Breakup Season (ouch). Couples who seem blissfully happy online sometimes call it quits between Thanksgiving and Christmas.
We featured David McCandless’ famous Facebook Breakup Chart when it first appeared a few years ago. This trend still holds true: breakups begin to spike around Thanksgiving and peak just before Christmas. (December 11, by the way, is Breakup Day.) This chart was based on real Facebook relationship-status changes.
Let Your Phone Be Your Holiday Wingman
So let your mobile phone be your BFF this holiday weekend, and give yourself permission to stay connected — before dinner, after dinner, and whenever you need a moment to yourself.
Wishing you much love and joy in cyberspace, or wherever you may roam. xo — Julie Spira, The Digital Matchmaker
Julie Spira is the Digital Matchmaker® and America's Top Online Dating Expert. She's an award-winning certified dating coach who's been helping singles find their perfect match for over three decades. Follow @JulieSpira on IG and @digitalmatchmaker on TikTok.