OkCupid Review

The digital age has changed the way we date – and for nerds like me, internet dating has made it much easier to meet fine people. Thankfully services like OkCupid exist, and their mobile apps make it easier to meet people, which is on a lot of people's minds around this time of year as Valentine's Day rolls around.

Users set up a profile on the service, filling out their important info about who they are, along with certain bio questions, and uploading photos about who they are. Matches are determined based on the answer to multiple choice questions, which users answer, rate their importance, and provide an optional expanded answer. These questions determine compatibility with other users in three categories: Match, Friend, and Enemy. Yes, people who are classified as incompatible are scored as enemies. Then, the hunt is on! The latest updates from other users in a given area are shown, matches can be viewed, settings customized, and messages can be read and received.

OkCupid's app is very comprehensive: all the features of the website are here, and it's easy and organized to use. The Quiver is a great way to find potentially compatible matches, and it automatically refreshes as matches are contacted or discarded from there. OkCupid is free to download and use, and unlike other dating services which push subscriptions, OkCupid's subscription is not pushy or necessary to use the service. Profiles can be viewed, messages can be sent and received, all for free. Notifications come in for new messages, which is fantastic for those who are on the go or just like to have their phone make a sound when something important happens.

The Locals feature of the app, which shows people nearby with the option to message them to meet them strikes me more as creepy than anything else. Also, while the app is also available on Android, notifications only appear to go to one device, the one which was last logged in to, so those who dip their toes in the waters of both operating systems should take note. Also, the app is sadly not universal – iPad owners need love too!

And yes, OkCupid does work – I have gone on dates after initially meeting a person on OkCupid. This is a great service for those looking to try out online dating, with a fantastic well-made app.