A new app claims its approach leads to better first dates/ Photo by Josh Wil link via Pexels
Profiles get real with in-app video profiles to let your real self shine through with less ghosting
Singles are exhausted by the never-ending scroll for companionship in search of authentic connections. That’s according to a recent survey conducted by Wakefield Research for FFWD, which found that 4 in 5 singles (78%) expressed frustration that photos and text in dating profiles don’t convey a person’s real-life personality and energy resulting in incompatible matches, missed opportunities and overall disillusionment.
In an era of filters, chatbots, and AI gimmicks, this aligns with the growing anti-AI sentiment among singles, with 83% expressing that they would be turned off if their match relied on AI tools to craft their profile. Another 29% view this as a major red flag and 32% consider it a form of deceit and deal-breaker that hampers the potential for meaningful connections.
The statistics underscore the universal yearning for authenticity and genuine human connection, emphasising that love cannot be reduced to a hackable algorithm.
“Dating apps opened a new world for singles looking to find a partner. But over time, the process has become time-consuming, exhausting and disheartening for many,” said Katya Chernyak, co-founder and CEO FFWD Dating.
FFWD (Fast-Forward) Dating is a new dating app currently in beta, placing its bets on in-app video profiles or “Scenes” to allow real-life personalities, body language, interests and fun responses to prompt-based questions to shine through before that first date. Plus, you already know about the person rather than just their picture before the first date so you have plenty of conversation starters.
How does the FFWD’s video profile work?
If the thought of putting a video of yourself out there scares you, think of it this way: wouldn’t you rather have someone like the real you? Someone that loves the fact that you have certain interests and favourite TV shows, no matter how quirky, rather than finding out later that they don’t. Or vice versa finding out that someone comes off very different to their written profile once you meet them in person?
It’s like seeing a ‘movie trailer’ of each person, which allows the personality, vibe, charm and mannerisms of the individual to shine through, leading to more genuine connections and better first dates.”
FFWD
The purpose of FFWD’s video profiles, or “Scenes” are to give singles a new way to evaluate potential matches that feel like an in-real-life IRL encounter. Since the videos are recorded within the app, FFWD claims AI, bots, and catfishing are eliminated.
The recording will take place on the platform so you can’t pre-record or upload your Scene. This is to avoid filters and heavy editing. However, you can re-record your videos in the app. But they are hoping you can respond naturally and candidly to questions rather than pre-rehearsing them. The questions are fun. Like pool or ocean? Listener or talker? Early bird or night owl? You can have one cover photo for your Scene.
Less ghosting
FFWD says studies have shown that people are less likely to ghost someone when they feel a stronger connection to them. With traditional online dating, it’s easy to get caught up in swiping through photos and one-dimensional profiles without really getting to know the person behind the screen.
The dating site does have a point. It’s hard to get attached to aviators, which makes it easier to abandon a “match”. Additionally, video profiles help to weed out potential mismatches and duds, resulting in fewer disappointing dates and, therefore, less ghosting.
The statistics underscore the universal yearning for authenticity and genuine human connection, emphasising that love cannot be reduced to a hackable algorithm.
FFWD
“FFWD’s solution is to fast-forward past all the uncertainty and deception of static profiles to show the real-life person as they respond to fun and thought-provoking prompts. It’s like seeing a ‘movie trailer’ of each person, which allows the personality, vibe, charm and mannerisms of the individual to shine through, leading to more genuine connections and better first dates.”
Further fuelling disenchantment with apps is the fact that 80% of app users have had a negative experience ranging from fake profiles (36%), deceptive photos (33%), scams (32%), mismatched personalities (31%) and uncomfortable or dangerous encounters (22%). FFWD’s goal is to reduce these pain points in modern dating and create authentic connections leading to better first dates and encounters.
“Every great dating journey begins with a great first date,” emphasises Victoria Todis, co-founder and Creative Director of FFWD Dating. “We are on a mission to make exceptional first dates a reality for all by providing tools that empower users to trust their instincts and forge connections more efficiently and confidently.”
The company is inviting the dating community to share their own #BFDs (Best First Dates) for a chance to win the ultimate BFD experience on FFWD. Users are encouraged to share their stories on Instagram or TikTok using the hashtags #BestFirstDate, #BFDate and #FFWD.
Watch a teaser of what an in-app video might look like below along with a sample of some of the questions you could respond to: