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This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Wilfrid Laurier chapter.

When you’re swiping through dating apps, everyone thinks it’s just based on looks. However, there are way more factors that decide which way the swipe will go.

That’s right! Ever see someone you really want to match with but it just doesn’t happen? You might have just not been their type, but maybe there are other things that made their finger go left and not right. When making the big decision of which way to swipe, there are a lot of factors at play.

Let’s start with the obvious: photos. People need to see what you look like. It’s so much more comfortable to meet in person when you feel confident that you know how they look. Having two photos isn’t enough. You need confident, real photos of yourself. No hiding your face with a hat and glasses in each photo. This also means no filters, even the puppy Snapchat filter. It’s fine to have maybe one, but don’t make it the first thing we see. Lacking photos? There is no shame in doing a photoshoot just for Tinder pics. Besides, your Insta can always use new photos as well. Try not to use group photos. It’s never good when the person has to guess who you are – odds are they don’t want to risk you not being the cute one.

Another factor when it comes to swiping is your name. I know what you’re thinking – names aren’t something you can change. While that’s true, there are certain names you just don’t want to mess with. Ever had a bad ex, so bad you’d never want to date someone with the same name or even the same letter? Also, no one wants to be dating someone with the same name as their brother or sister. And definitely, no one wants to be screaming their dad’s name in the bedroom.

You also have to consider your bio. People actually want to get a sense of who you are – there is a reason dating apps have them! It’s disappointing when there isn’t one, or when there is one but you have already seen it on five other profiles. Get creative and be yourself. Don’t use a basic bio like a quote from a popular sitcom. It’s funny the first time but gets old the 87th time you see it.

Dating apps aren’t all about judging a person based on looks. Many factors go into the decision to swipe left or right. Some of these reasons you just can’t avoid but they’re good to keep in mind so you don’t feel down about yourself. You may not get all the matches but maybe you’ll get that lucky right swipe.

Megan Cruz

Wilfrid Laurier '21

Megan Cruz is a 4th-year film studies student at WLU. She already has a diploma from Vancouver film school for writing for Games, Television, and film. When she isn't writing she can be found in a pillow fort watching cartoons