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

We count on community reviews for nearly every thing we do online — look for books, choose films, find flats, browse work offers, join clubs and then make travel plans. So just why perhaps perhaps perhaps not utilize advice of y our online “friends” to assist in locating a brand new beau?

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

On OkCupid you are not any longer alone while you flick through profiles. In reality, in the beginning We had been just a little overrun by just how much was happening at the same time.

It is a build up each and every function provided in the most well known networking that is social: immediate texting, status updates, connection recommendations, interior email and blogs. However it is all aimed toward dating.

There was one distinguishing feature of OkCupid that we find interesting. It is possible to offer somebody a honor, such as for instance “Friends In Real Life,” “Smarter as compared to Average Bear” and “the Date that is great, and you may put in a remark for their profile.

Adam, 28, also called fluidHotMagma1, normally trying out OkC when it comes to time that is first. He does not have any honors yet, but said their life that is dating skyrocketed joining the website.

“I such as the honors 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 searched for somebody who helps it be their business to comprehend online internet dating sites.

E. Foley is really a self-proclaimed geek who offers internet dating assistance with other geeks on her GeeksDreamGirl site. Foley has tried hotrussianwomen.net/ukrainian-brides OkC as well as 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 I’ve been aware of anybody who selected a night out together according to exactly how many ‘Makes Me Laugh’ prizes they usually have,” said Foley. Although, Foley has ranted on the weblog about OkCupid into the past, she does acknowledge the honors really are a “lighthearted, fun solution to celebrate your pals’ finer characteristics.”

I came across one OkC member that has a few honors yet echoes Foley’s terms.

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

“no body has ever mentioned my prizes,” Tuffington said via OkC email. “The only discussion i could see after all could be the dudes click to my profile from prizes that I left for any other girls.”

This really is one drawback that we noted, too. I click on the link to see who is giving the award, I know my profile will show up as a “visitor” on another girl’s profile when I see the award, if.

David Mott is another expert that is self-proclaimed dater who has got tried numerous internet dating sites, and shortly tried out OkC. He writes about dating and single parenting on their dadshouseblog.com. Mott mentioned another point.

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

Mott additionally noticed that if much of your buddies are married, they’dn’t become a part of the site that is dating in a position to offer you a prize.

But that’s the idea of utilizing the honors function and social networking on an on-line dating website. You’re in a spot where you have to make use of the advice of other people in identical network that is online exactly like you do on Amazon.com, Yelp, TripAdvisor, etc.

I do believe OkC is merely reminding us by using a help that is little our buddies, the relationship game are enjoyable.