Ours is a large world, with millions of people seeking love and relationships – but most times not finding it. So dating platforms (apps and sites) come in handy in this quest for love and a wonderful time.
These platforms are especially welcome to people who have difficulty approaching people in person. With a smartphone or pc, though, a little boldness pops and things fly from there.
Some people have been able to find spouses on dating platforms, while others have been able to find, well, “headache” – they have either been bilked or exploited by those they meet with online.
There are thousands of dating sites out there, each advertising its services and qualities as being superior to others. In this post, we’ll be bringing you the top 10 dating platforms (apps & sites) in South Africa
1. Tinder
Founded in 2012, Tinder in an American online dating and networking app and easily one of the most popular out there. For Tinder to work properly, location has to be enabled. The platform is not only available on the web, it’s also available for iOS and Android operating systems.
2. Facebook Dating
Facebook Dating is the new kid on the block, as the cliché goes. Founded in 2019, it is part of Facebook, part of the social network’s mobile app, with no web version whatsoever. Some peeps consider Facebook Dating superior, since it is easy connecting people on the dating platform to their Facebook profiles.
3. Bumble
Bumble claims to have been founded to change the antiquated rules of dating. The site has free (basic) membership, which costs nothing and a premium membership, which costs between $12.99 (weekly) and $46.99 for three months.
4. OkCupid
OkCupid promises love and meeting, but it has refused to love all countries. Yeah, the platform isn’t open to all countries. The platform asks users questions and match them based on their answers. It is available on the web as well as for iOS and android
5. Afrointroductions
True to its name, Afrointroductions makes it possible to introduce yourself and get to meet someone somewhere else in the world – African or no.
6. Elitesingles
Launched in 2009, Elite Singles is a paid platform, with membership beginning at $59.95 (per month, for the premium classic membership). The platform claims to be one of the best dating platforms for educated singles. This “international” platform isn’t available in all countries
7. Coffee Meets Bagel
Coffee Meets Bagel is a dating site which is also available on mobile operating platforms like android and iOS. The platform claims to help users make authentic connections. It was founded in 2012 by Arum Kang Dawoon and Kang Soo Kang
8. Zoosk
Headquartered in Berlin, Germany, Zoosk was founded in 2007 by Alex Mehr, Shayan Zadeh, Brad Henrickson and John Smart. The site (also app) claims to make it easy to find your perfect match. Available in 25 languages and over 80 countries, it’s an easy favourite for many.
9. Plenty of Fish
Plenty of Fish, abbreviated POP, is another dating site (with an app), which promises the best online dating experience and well, as you already know, “plenty of fish.”
10. Happn
Founded by Didier Rappaport, Fabien Cohen and Antony Cohen, Happn is where things happen for some in the dating world. Like Tinder, it is a location-based service (app and web service) that enables users from around the world to connect.
By the way, while dating sites are many, there’s no assurance you’re going to find true love in one of them. Some people have been robbed and even killed by people they met on dating sites.
So it is vitally important to be circumspect about revealing your personal information to strangers, as well as inviting them to your apartment for a first meeting.
Happy meeting!
