Sure, there are a ton of matchmaking and dating apps out there. Chances are, however, that you’d be better off sticking with just one that really works for your needs and provides you with all the value added features that make dating all the more worth your while. After all, having multiple apps on your phone that just do more or less the same thing can lead to confusion and dating app burnout, which is something you want to avoid.
To help you in your search for the right dating app, here are some non-negotiable features of apps for matchmaking and dating Malaysia-based singles should rely on:
Requires Strict User Verification
It’s true that there are dating apps out there that are more “democratic” and inclusive. But is that what you really want? You use dating apps to save time and help you find a match who isn’t only fun but safe to be with. This is because dating is one of those activities where you shouldn’t be so trusting of other people, at least in the beginning. Also, there are some very real risks to dating. Scammers and catfishers are very common on most dating apps, and they can quickly turn what should be an enjoyable experience into a real nightmare.
If you’re interested in dating but want to avoid most of the pitfalls, make sure to pick an app that has a strict multilevel verification process.
Accommodates Busy Modern Lifestyles
Do you find that you barely have time for yourself, let alone other people? If you feel this way, you’re not alone. According to a 2019 survey, a majority of Malaysian employees believe they are overworked and sleep-deprived. Given that, how are you supposed to find time to go out on dates?
Thankfully, better dating apps will allow you to better fit dates into your lifestyle. If you’re looking for just one app, make sure that it actually accommodates the lifestyle you already have.
Keeps Your Information Private
A lot of sketchy app developers are out there waiting to take your private details and sell them to whoever has the cash. This is a problem that is not unique to dating apps but is especially important given the often sensitive information singles share on these platforms. Keep yourself safe and stick to apps by developers with a proven track record for maintaining data privacy.
Is An All-In-One Dating Solution
Some apps could be described, at best, as incomplete. Some lack decent instant messaging or call functionality while others are simply terrible at returning valid matches.
While you think you may be doing the smart thing by having these different apps compensate for each other’s deficiencies, the fact is you don’t want to be handling three or four apps when a single one will suffice. Save yourself the annoyance and just find a good dating app that does it all.
Has Had Sufficient Time in the Local Market
Dating culture is highly localised. People in Penang, KL, or even Singapore will have a different way of approaching and understanding things from people from London or Silicon Valley. This is all to say that you can’t just expect a new app from a developer who may not even be familiar with the local culture to effectively meet your dating needs.
If you have to choose between similar dating apps, make sure to pick one that is properly localised, preferably one that has already had success in the Malaysian or Southeast Asian market. This ensures that you get a higher chance of relevant matches when you use it.
Features Tried-and-Tested Algorithms
Related to the previous point, you want to choose an app with algorithms that account for local behaviours and preferences. Dating app algorithms make all the difference when it comes to mitigating your risks and keeping your matches relevant.
Building an effective algorithm is usually only possible if the app has been active in your market for a long time. This is because, even with modern machine learning capabilities, it takes app developers time to fine-tune algorithms to be effective for a specific market. If an app has been around for years and locals seem to enjoy it, chances are that that app is a good choice.
Has a Well-Designed User Interface
Dating apps should help you manage your connections intuitively. After all, you want dating to be fun, not a chore. An easy-to-use UI should also prevent embarrassing mistakes and misunderstandings. These can very easily happen when you’re talking to more than three matches at a given time. Avoid the trouble and stick with an app that’s easy to use.
Offers Secure Chat and Call Functions
Some dating apps won’t even let you send instant messages or make calls. This is a huge negative as you’ll often be forced to use the social media and chat tools you use for your friends and family. While you could get a separate account just for dating, you probably don’t want to go through the hassle of making those when you could have private chats and calls on the dating app itself.
Always choose dating apps that have secure call and instant messaging functions. These will help you compartmentalise your dating life, keeping it from spilling over into your regular day-to-day existence.
Lets You Set Reminders and Notifications
Lastly, make sure your dating app allows you to set reminders and notifications so that you and your dates don’t accidentally stand each other up.
This might seem like a feature that all dating apps would have, but you’d be surprised that not all of them do. Having good reminder and notification functionality will help you keep your dating life organised, less hectic, and a lot more fun.
Pro Tip: Get One App That Does It All
The Malaysian dating scene is not without its risks and annoyances. However, you can make things a lot safer, more interesting, and more fun simply by choosing the right dating app. If you’re ready to test the waters, make sure to spend some time looking for a dating app that meets all the recommendations above.