OkCupid adds gaming that is social to online dating sites. Lester Public Library/via Flickr hide caption

We depend on community reviews for almost every thing we do online — look for books, select films, find flats, browse task offers, join clubs and work out travel plans. So just why perhaps perhaps not make use of the advice of our online “friends” to assist in getting a brand new beau?

I have made a decision to decide to try internet dating again, and I also’m testing out OkCupid. It is an online ukrainian dating that is free site that launched in 2005 by the founders of Crazy Blind Date.

On OkCupid you are no longer alone while you search through profiles. In reality, in the beginning We had been only a little overrun by just how much was taking place at a time.

It is a build up each and every function provided regarding the most well known social media web sites: instant texting, status updates, connection recommendations, interior email and websites. However it is all aimed toward dating.

There clearly was one identifying function of OkCupid that we find interesting. It is possible to offer some body an prize, such as for instance “Friends In Real lifestyle,” “Smarter compared to the Average Bear” and “the fantastic Date,” and you may put in a comment for their profile.

Adam, 28, also called LiquidHotMagma1, normally testing OkC when it comes to very first time. He doesn’t always have any prizes yet, but stated their dating life skyrocketed since joining your website.

“I such as the prizes concept via OkC e-mail because it differentiates the active members from people who just mess around or are stalkers,” Adam told me.

Since Adam and I also are casual users of internet dating, we sought after somebody who helps it be their business to comprehend online online dating sites.

E. Foley is really a self-proclaimed geek who offers internet dating help with other geeks on her GeeksDreamGirl site. Foley has tried OkC as well as various other online dating sites. She stated at some point Match.com possessed a “Match My Friends” feature where you are able to keep testimonials on pages.

“I’m not certain we’ve been aware of anybody who selected a romantic date centered on exactly how many ‘Makes Me Laugh’ prizes they usually have,” said Foley. Although, Foley has ranted on her behalf weblog about OkCupid in past times, she does acknowledge the prizes are really a “lighthearted, fun solution to commemorate friends and family’ finer characteristics.”

I came across one OkC member who may have a few prizes yet echoes Foley’s terms.

“Tuffington,” 31, A okc user in bay area, has five “Friends In Real Life” honors and a “Perfect Mix” prize, but stated the prizes appear worthless.

“no body has ever mentioned my honors,” Tuffington said via OkC e-mail. “The only conversation I’m able to see at all could be the dudes click on my profile from honors that I left for any other girls.”

This can be one downside that we noted, too. Once I begin to see the honor, if we click the connect to see that is providing the prize, i understand my profile will appear as being a “visitor” on another girl’s profile.

David Mott is yet another self-proclaimed expert online dater who may have tried numerous online dating sites, and quickly tried down OkC. He writes about dating and parenting that is single his dadshouseblog.com. Mott raised another point.

“Can you really attest to someone’s dating behavior?” Mott asked me via email. “i could state my friend is a good man, but he may be considered a sleaze regarding the dating scene, and I also wouldn’t know it,” Mott stated.

Mott also remarked that if much of your buddies are hitched, they’dn’t become a part of the site that is dating in a position to provide you with an prize.

But that’s the purpose of employing the prizes function and social networking on an internet dating website. You are in a location where you have to make use of the advice of others in identical online system, exactly like you do on Amazon.com, Yelp, TripAdvisor, etc.

I believe OkC is simply reminding us by using a help that is little our buddies, the dating game may be enjoyable.