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Swipe! A mere flick of a finger is all it takes for you to find that perfect match made in heaven. Well, at least it would in an ideal world. Because these days, venturing into the dating arena often feels like spinning a wheel of fortune where only a lucky few encounter carefully-curated online personas that actually meet reality.

The chances of meeting someone kind and compassionate sometimes seem extremely low. And despite taking plenty of precautions, there's a strong possibility a potential candidate will shatter every last bit of hope for your dreamy relationship into pieces. So it's best to arm yourself with knowledge about the red flags to look out for to ensure that your efforts don't go to waste.

"When it comes to dating apps, what is an automatic 'pass' for you?" asked Redditor LuckyC1723 and it sparked an illuminating thread on 'Ask Reddit'. People immediately jumped to the comment section to share their takes about the biggest turn-offs that make them swipe left without a second thought. We at Bored Panda have rounded up some of the most memorable responses to share with you all, so continue scrolling! Keep reading to also find our interviews with the Redditor who sparked this conversation, as well as Canada-based dating coach Sally Heart, down below. Then upvote the replies you agree with and be sure to weigh in with your own suggestions in the comments.

#2

30 People Confess What Makes Them Reject Someone Immediately On Dating Apps anyone with guns/dead animals or trump on the profile

IdahoLynxx , cottonbro Report

We managed to get in touch with Redditor LuckyC1723, who was kind enough to have a chat about what inspired them to start this conversation in the first place. "I was just curious to see what other people value. It’s interesting to constantly see a lot of notifications from all the responses. It was fun," the user shared with Bored Panda. "It was cool to see what things were the most common 'passes.'"

When it comes to the instant turn-offs they personally feel while swimming in the deep waters of the dating pool, "not smiling with teeth is my biggest one", the user said. The one response that stood out the most in the comments was about the profiles with lists of demands, they added. "I’ve seen them but forgot about those types of bios."

As people jumped to the comments to share the most frustrating things they encounter while looking for The One, a brief scroll through this list may convince you that navigating the twists and turns of the online dating world is tough. "I think it’s difficult because there are so many options," LuckyC1723 said. "Why take this person seriously when you have another person or several waiting to talk to you."

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"Respect yourself," the user advised. "If you’re confused about someone you’re interested in — move on. A person who is also interested in you won’t confuse you. You’ll know for sure they are into you."

#3

30 People Confess What Makes Them Reject Someone Immediately On Dating Apps A profile that's just a list of demands. "Don't be this, don't do this, spend money on me, do this, do that, etc."

yensid7 , Glenn Carstens-Peters Report

Today, an astonishing number of people turn to their phones or the internet believing it’s the best place to meet singles. Statista reports that in 2020, there were an estimated 26.6 million smartphone dating app users in the United States. And it’s hardly surprising, as dating sites and mobile apps are extremely helpful tools to bring two people together. Most of the time.

Because despite what many people think, the dire reality is that finding a partner has not become easier at all. Data from Pew Research Center has shown that nearly half of U.S. adults — and a majority of women — say that dating has become harder in the last 10 years. Would-be daters sometimes experience how apps tend to bring out the worst in some people, and many consistently express dissatisfaction, frustration, and hopelessness about the process.

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#6

30 People Confess What Makes Them Reject Someone Immediately On Dating Apps If any statement includes "if you can't handle", nah, I'm out.

Because if she can't handle me at my most selective, then she doesn't deserve me at my most openminded.

Also, demanding that you be original while her profile is exactly the same as 99% of other women's profiles, f**k that.

EponymousTitular , Ionut Comanici Report

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Kel_how
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

"If she can't handle me at my most selective, then she doesn't deserve me at my most openminded" 🤌

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To gain insight from an expert in the field, we reached out to dating coach Sally Heart who aims to help women build the necessary mindset and strategy to find and attract the love they truly deserve. She has a free online dating safety course called Safety Hacks for Online Dating to keep women safe from the dangers of online dating, including how to avoid scams or risks to personal safety using smart resources.

According to Sally, people tend to face many emotional hazards as they swipe and scroll because on these apps, the feeling of anonymity is present, even if people share their photos. "Some people lose the sense that there is a real person behind the other screen, and as a result will say or do things they wouldn’t normally do if they had met in person," she explained.

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#7

30 People Confess What Makes Them Reject Someone Immediately On Dating Apps "Find out ;)"

I don't know if it's common everywhere, but it is in my region.

Sir, if I wanted to find anything out, I'd hire a private detective. And you're not worth the money.

thunderousmegabi*ch , santiago costa Report

#8

30 People Confess What Makes Them Reject Someone Immediately On Dating Apps “I’m actually 20, idk why it says 24 lol”

Or something to that effect.

benkenobi239 , Toa Heftiba Report

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Kathryn Baylis
Community Member
1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Why lie about 4 years, especially when you’re that young? 24 is far from old, ffs.

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#9

30 People Confess What Makes Them Reject Someone Immediately On Dating Apps single word replies to everything with no effort to make conversation.

if you weren't interested, why tf did you match.

eternalankh , charlesdeluvio Report

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Dave Van Beurden
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I then usually say my back hurt. when they ask why, tell them it is from carrying this conversation...

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The dating coach pointed out that while there may be many pitfalls in online dating, the biggest one is daters failing to make a strong enough attempt to meet other people. "You should be trying to go on at least a date a week. At the end of the day, online dating is no different than regular dating… it’s a numbers game!"

"The more people you meet, the more likely you’ll meet the right person for you," the coach continued. "Your goal should be to try to meet people in person as quickly as possible because that’s going to determine if there is a real connection and fit for the long term. The in-person connection will always trump an online connection."

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#10

30 People Confess What Makes Them Reject Someone Immediately On Dating Apps “I can’t date you if you are an aquarium 🙅‍♀️♒️💖”

ethantoad , Jakub Pabis Report

#11

Height requirements kind of bum me out... I'm 6'2", likely to be taller than any woman I match with, it's just... I don't see myself getting along with anyone who would make that such a set-in-stone priority that it's in their profile.

Naming country music as one of their interests is also a bit of a gray flag. Not a knock on the genre or its fans, it's just usually an indicator that we're not speaking the same language.

ArtSchnurple Report

#12

30 People Confess What Makes Them Reject Someone Immediately On Dating Apps People who behave like they're too good for you. Instant no.

adgvogamer , Hamid Tajik Report

But it may feel challenging to find a match when dating apps nudge people to make split-second decisions by relying on profile pictures and descriptions that guide them. "Online dating IS all about looks and first impressions," Sally told Bored Panda. "That’s why I encourage all my clients to put some effort in their profile pictures while painting an 'accurate' picture of who they are."

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#13

30 People Confess What Makes Them Reject Someone Immediately On Dating Apps any mention of "crypto"

drumorgan , Kanchanara Report

#14

Girls with beautyfilters are a no go for me

zust4rk_ Report

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Kel_how
Community Member
1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Men with beauty filters are a no go for me. I've seen so many men trying to look like a what I can only describe as a "child beauty pageant puppy." Filters on filters; it's just too much. 🫢 What do you actually look like?

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#15

30 People Confess What Makes Them Reject Someone Immediately On Dating Apps Talk too much about who they want and not enough about who they are

FormalTheory , Jonas Leupe Report

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Kathryn Baylis
Community Member
1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Because they know who they want isn’t realistic. Real people aren’t perfect representations of your puerile fantasies.

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The dating coach advised you to always put your best foot forward and show off your best assets. "That said, don't use filters in an attempt to make yourself look better. For men, they hate it when they can’t see a woman’s body in pictures, and for women, they hate it when men wear nothing but hats and sunglasses."

"You want to accurately represent what you look like but in the best light possible. Wear your nicest clothes, the ones that show off your best assets and make an effort with your hair, makeup and overall aesthetic. It’s not about wearing tons of makeup if that’s not you, but about showing yourself in the best light," Sally added.

#16

There are some profiles where people are obviously angry at their lack of success in finding a hook-up or relationship or whatever. Stuff like “I doubt anyone here is even real.” Or “I hate profile questions, just message me.” Or “I’m not interested in going 20 rounds in chat. Message me if you want a real man and a real date.”

The lack of effort tells me that you and I would not be compatible.

Midge-83 Report

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Kel_how
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My sister saw a profile just yesterday that said something like "I'm so tired of this I just want to give up message me." Honestly, it sounded more like a s*icide note than a dating profile. The lack of proper grammar and punctuation is also a 🚩

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#17

People who brag about paying their own bills like it isn’t already something you’re supposed to be doing.

Owlcifer Report

#18

30 People Confess What Makes Them Reject Someone Immediately On Dating Apps Posing in front of a BMW/Mercedes/Porsche etc.

Combei , Syed Hussaini Report

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Sarah Spencer
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

A friend of mine genuinely owns - and has available to hire - a number of high end sports cars. His customers are usually "influencers" trying to imply a lifestyle they cannot actually afford. I always see people posing with a car like that and think "I wonder if they rented that from M?"

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We were curious to learn what mistakes to avoid in a profile bio, as well as what a good online dating profile should look like to give you real chances of finding love. "The BIGGEST mistake I see people make with their online dating profile is including negative language: 'Don’t message me if… I can’t stand a man who… My pet peeves are… I hate it when...'" Sally explained.

"Another terrible faux pas that I continue to see people do is to crap all over online dating or allude to the fact that you don’t want to be online: 'My friends made this profile for me… I know this isn’t the best place to meet people… I haven’t had the best luck with this…' etc."

#19

30 People Confess What Makes Them Reject Someone Immediately On Dating Apps Weird anime pictures or memes instead of a normal
Picture of them

FuriousCamel , cottonbro Report

#20

30 People Confess What Makes Them Reject Someone Immediately On Dating Apps "future milf" /
"can probably outsmoke/drink you" /
"5'6 cause it matters" /
"let me meet your dog" /
"hmu with your best pickup line" /
"I made this as a joke"

Just be creative, for f**k's sake. People who use these tired lines are basically signaling that all they have going for them is their looks.

One more thing: if you're almost exclusively posting yourself in a bikini, I'm not interested. Not because I'm a prude or anything, but some girls' profiles look like an 1800's slave auction with the way they advertise themselves. It makes me feel like a pervert. It signals to me that they pride themselves on their looks instead of their character. Men aren't as shallow as people think they are. A lot of us can see through that s**t.

I'm interested to see what women experience on the other end of Tinder. It's probably much, much worse.

willingyam , Minh Pham Report

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Nathaniel
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Of course you can outdrink me. That is not a brag. I have 3 pints in an evening, MAX. Being a drunk is not a turn on.

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#21

When they start listing what they don't want, stuff like "don't talk to me if you're under 6'0" tall"

TheEvelynn Report

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Lesbian Sloth
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I don't understand why anyone would care what height someone else is?? It doesn't change their personality

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Your profile is crucial when determining your success online, so if you wish to stand out from the crowd and find potential dates, Sally had a few suggestions. "People should be focusing on showing and demonstrating who they are by painting a picture. Instead of saying 'I am a kind person', you could tell them how you demonstrate that characteristic 'I help out at a local shelter every month.'"

#22

30 People Confess What Makes Them Reject Someone Immediately On Dating Apps People who take photos of themselves pretending to be asleep. So cringe.

Empty-Comparison1904 , Zohre Nemati Report

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Kel_how
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Either you've got a creepy stalker breaking into your home and taking photos of you, or you think it's cute to pretend to be asleep. 🤷‍♀️

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#23

30 People Confess What Makes Them Reject Someone Immediately On Dating Apps Listing religion as a requirement. That is, not if it lists "Religion: Christian" or something, but when they say something like "Must be interested in improving his relationship with Jesus".

bittlelum , Fa Barboza Report

#24

30 People Confess What Makes Them Reject Someone Immediately On Dating Apps “I can probably out smoke you” ye that’s not a flex Makayla

Blunderz_ , Daniel Monteiro Report

While it’s important to remember that online dating takes time, the dating coach offered some tips to help you find a match in no time. "If you’re a woman, ASK MEN OUT! Being the approacher is different from being the pursuer. Contrary to popular belief, the majority of men love it when the woman makes the first move, so BE BOLD," she advised.

Moreover, consider including videos or audio of you talking in your profile as this makes you feel like a real person. "[This] reduces the number of negative or rude messages you’ll receive and increases your odds of connecting with people and being asked out on dates. It’s harder to be mean to someone who you can watch and listen to, it makes you more 'human,'" Sally concluded.

#25

People who are super political in their bio. If all you have to say about yourself is your political affiliation, I already know it's gonna be a headache to talk to you in text or person.

superiorhumanz Report

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Amanda Rose
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If your political party is LIFE fornyou..for you... its a big no... no problems with things like "registered dem/rep" but when it's a huge deal and when you're only willing to date someone who matches your ideals perfectly. RED FLAG

mdr_1 avatar
Potato
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I think, depending where you live and who you are, it really does matter. If you're LGBTQ and/or BIPOC, someone's political affiliation and voting choices can literally affect your quality of life.

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Lisa Intally
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

When one of the major parties had on their ticket a reality TV star who recently said he wanted to be President for the fame, YES, WHAT POLITICAL PARTY YOU ARE DOES MATTER! No way am I dating anyone who would support that. And, on top of that obvious fact, what woman would date someone who wants to take her rights away to birth control? The whole thing is insanity, but thanks for being honest so we can avoid you...

censorshipsucks10 avatar
censorshipsucks
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

not true at all. People who are NOT political in their bio are generally going to be uninteresting to talk to, or basically so privileged that politics doesn't affect them. You need to be aware of the consequences of the politics you support, and not being political is de-facto supporting the status quo, meaning injustice. If day-to-day injustices are not affecting you, it means you're well off and privileged. You need to rethink why, and what you can do to help those around you. It's not a headache to talk to someone like this. It's a headache if they're right wing and think that somehow white men are being attacked. That's when it becomes a headache.

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Richard Keel
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

"No Tories" is a perfectly legitimate thing to put on your Tinder bio in the UK

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Ann Vega
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm BIPOC in Idaho. It matters. I've been told the real history of slav**y is other tribes sold their "Brothers" with no regard for the actions of owners, Trump was the BEST president since Reagan, poor people are wholly responsible for their lot and merely want handouts, child abuse is proper discipline, etc, etc, etc. No one with any of those beliefs is going to be a suitable partner for me...EVER, especially when in my age group, you should have learned a lot by now. I make my "politics" very clear because I'm exhausted from wasting my time with conservative douchebag fuckbois.

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J
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I never talk politics with anyone, not even my husband. It's too contentious a subject, to lose friends or family over!

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Octavia Hansen
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Consider that this kind of person just saved you a lot of time & a bad date.

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#26

When they have so many filters and only close up shots from the chin up.

ConvenienceStoreDiet Report

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FakeOptimist
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Those filters... Years ago I was on a dating app : major red flag.

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#27

30 People Confess What Makes Them Reject Someone Immediately On Dating Apps "I'm here for a good time, not a long one"

I don't take issue if you want to live your life like that, but if I have to hear the phrase again I'm gonna hide in a space shuttle and get off while I'm on the moon.

fardedinurmouf , Priscilla Du Preez Report

#28

30 People Confess What Makes Them Reject Someone Immediately On Dating Apps "Don't be boring"

Spirited-Ad-8061 , Tony Tran Report

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Kathryn Baylis
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

So basically, they’re saying that they want someone who will always have to entertain them, while they do nothing to entertain them in return. Witty conversation is supposed to be a two way street. Both people have to contribute. They sound like they’re lazy and dull as a wet dishrag.

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#29

When I was on dating apps, number one thing that made me pass was kids.

Respect to anyone who's making it work, I am friends with single parents and it's f*****g rough. But I do not like kids and even if I did I am not at a point in my life where I can be a parental figure.

GoodCatholicGuy Report

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N Gregory
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Less a red flag and more a defined personal preference. And good for you for recognising and acknowledging this in advance.

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#30

30 People Confess What Makes Them Reject Someone Immediately On Dating Apps "Just seeing what's out there."

You want to borrow my binoculars? They'll probably help you look around better.

Yurshie , Austin Distel Report

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Amanda Rose
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

"Just seeing what's out there" ... code for "I'm cheating on my wife of 10+ years and no she doesn't know or approve"

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