Hinge Has Revealed How Their ‘Most Compatible’ Actually Works
Hinge may be the dating app designed to be deleted, but if you’ve ever been swiping through and wondered how the hell the app comes up with your most compatible match, you’re not alone.
The algorithm that deems your most compatible is an intriguing one. You may be matched with someone who has a profile you actually vibe with, or you may be prompted to match with your ex, that random kid from high school who ate paper, or your co-worker. Awkward.
Hinge be like: most compatible!!!
And it’s your ex 🤠— Penina (@ray_stolz) February 2, 2021
While being notified that your most compatible has been updated can be a fun time, sometimes it can also leave you questioning all your life choices.
my hinge ‘most compatible’ tryna tell me something and it for sure isn’t good.
— Maybe: Mike (@k0rnchips) January 31, 2021
We decided to chat to Hinge and find out once and for all how their most compatible algorithm actually works.
To uncover this mystery, I chatted with Logan Ury, the Director of Relationship Science at Hinge. (Yes, that’s a job, and yes I kinda want it.)
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On how the ‘most compatible’ algorithm determines who you should match with:
“Simply put, our algorithm for Most Compatible learns your type over time based on the types of ‘likes’ you send and receive. Through a combination of machine learning and the Nobel-prize winning Gale Shapley algorithm, each day Most Compatible pairs two Hinge users who are most likely to mutually be interested in each other. You are more likely to go on a date with your Most Compatible person than you are with any other Hinge recommendation,” Logan said.
On the dating trend Hinge foresees in 2021:
Get ready singles who are ready to mingle because Hinge reckons 2021 is the year of the “relationship boom.”
“We predict that singles’ new personal learnings from last year, paired with more optimism going into 2021, will inspire a new wave of relationships,” Logan said. “In fact, our data shows that two out of three Australian Hinge users are optimistic about dating in 2021 and feel confident that dating in the new year will be better than last.”
Hinge credits the use of their video dating technology in helping romance along in these trying times. “It will help people confidently decide who they want to meet in person. At the beginning of the pandemic, very few global Hinge users had been on a video date, as it was typically reserved for our most intimate relationships. Now, almost half of global Hinge users have been on a video date, and one in three find video dates easier to arrange than in-person dates.”
On the data showing that 1/3 global Hinge users feel more urgency to find a partner and whether that’s a result of the pandemic:
“The pandemic changed the fast-paced dating world we all knew and has changed many users’ perceptions on dating. At Hinge, we saw users slow down, self-reflect, and decide to date in new ways. With the pandemic being a long period of positive behaviour reinforcement, users are embracing this newly found intentionality and being more straightforward with their intentions, as they re-enter the dating world and look to find a partner,” Logan said.
“The pandemic also helped people focus on what matters. People who had been prioritising other aspects of their life, and thought ‘I’ll date later,’ have been reevaluating how they spend their time and energy. Many of them have decided to invest more in finding a partner, and that increased effort and intentionality is changing the way people are dating.”
On the rise of video dating:
“If you haven’t been on a virtual date yet, give it a try!” Logan said. “Remember that video dates are designed to be a safe, low-pressure way to connect. Approach the video date with a positive mindset, make a plan and time to ‘meet’ on video and practice a little self-care in the lead-up.
“Also, for those wondering what’s the best time for a video call, 9-10pm — also known as ‘Dating Hour’ — is the most popular time on Hinge each day.”
And on the overall positive vibe Hinge users are taking into 2021 (and the decrease of ghosting!):
“Looking ahead, almost half (45%) of Hinge users in Australia have adopted healthy behaviours while dating during the pandemic, with the top lesson for 59% of Aussie users being to take time to focus on themselves before diving into a relationship. Additionally, over half of the Australian Hinge community learned to be more honest with their feelings and we really saw users slow down, and reflect on who they are looking for.
“Hinge users have been investing in their dating skills and have gotten more honest with themselves about what matters. Throughout the Hinge community, we’re seeing increased effort and increased empathy (ghosting is down by 27%). Considering this and as restrictions relax/in-person interaction increases, Aussies are more positive about dating in 2021.”