# Realistic Romance Users search for authentic connections in the online dating world. By [Joey Haar](https://www.trendhunter.com/joeyisa), Research Writer | Published Nov 9, 2017 | Category: [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/lifestyle-trends) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/realistic-romance ## Key Figures - Trend score: 4.0/10 - Evidence articles: 7 ## What is the Realistic Romance trend? **Realistic Romance:** As online dating continues to grow in popularity, users are pushing back against the superficiality of so-called hot-or-not services. Instead, users are transitioning to what they perceive as more authentic romantic platforms that privilege genuine human connections over attractive images alone. Brands that can create authentic connections are able to counter the real-world isolation sometimes felt as a result of consumers living much of their lives online. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 7 featured examples - Articles from: Feb 14 to Nov 7, 2017 - Published: Nov 9, 2017 - Patterns: [Divergence](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/divergence), [Cyclicality](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/cyclicality) - Megatrends: [Nostalgia](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/nostalgia), [Authenticity](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/authenticity), [Many to Many](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/many-to-many) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Themes within the Realistic Romance trend ### Authentic Connections Users are transitioning to more authentic romantic platforms, privileging genuine human connections over attractive images, creating opportunities for brands that can provide genuine human connection. ### Emphasis on Personalities and Conversations Dating apps that prioritize personalities and conversations over appearance are gaining traction, providing opportunities for brands to develop new products that focus on these aspects beyond traditional hot-or-not services. ### Audio and Video Dating Apps Audio and video dating apps are growing in popularity as a way for singles to determine if there is a connection, providing opportunities for brands to create innovative, new products in this field. ## What the Realistic Romance trend means for industry ### For Online Dating The online dating industry is seeing a shift towards more authentic and personal connections, prompting opportunities for companies to provide new and innovative dating solutions. ### For Communication As audio and video-based dating apps gain popularity, opportunities exist for companies to develop new communication technologies that allow individuals to connect more genuinely and personally. ### For Personal Development Dating apps that prioritize authentic human connections and conversations may inspire greater interest in personal development, providing opportunities for companies to provide support services in this field. ## Workshop question How could your brand establish an authentic connection with consumers? ## Trend signals for Realistic Romance Trend score 4.0 out of 10, from popularity 68%, activity 44%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 68% - Activity: 44% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Realistic Romance trend 7 featured examples from Feb 14 to Nov 7, 2017. - [Chat-First Dating Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/taffy-app): The Taffy App Puts Personality Before Looks (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Transform the online dating industry by establishing relationship platforms that shift the focus from superficial visuals to personality-first interactions. - [Date-Based Social Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/first-dating-app): The First Dating App Sets People Up for Dates Rather Than Endless Texts (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: The dating app industry can benefit from disruptive innovation by adopting date-based social apps that prioritize actual dates and user satisfaction. - [Story-Focused Dating Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/attrct): The 'Attrct' Dating App Lets Users Share Their Experiences (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Companies in the online dating industry can innovate by incorporating unique features that emphasize storytelling, connecting users with compatible partners based on shared experi… - [Audio-Based Dating Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/date-app): The 'Whisperr' Date App Lets Users Listen to Prospective Partners (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Online dating companies could explore adding audio as a feature to their platforms to differentiate themselves from competitors. - [Pixelated Dating Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vibes-dating-app): The Vibes Dating App Hides Users' Looks in Order to Stoke Real Conversation (Category: Tech) Implication: The Vibes app is seeking to challenge the dominance of apps such as Tinder or Bumble. - [Call-Based Dating Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hotline-app): Matches on the Hotline App Connect Via a Telephone Call (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Call-based dating apps have the potential to disrupt the online dating industry by offering a new level of personal connection. - [Video Dating Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/video-dating): 'Ohi' Lets Users Craft Video Profiles and Conduct Video Chats (Category: Tech) Implication: Industry: Video dating apps are disrupting the online dating industry by offering a more immersive and personal experience. ## Recent trend clusters - [Assisted Choices](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/weight-loss-medication-support) (Lifestyle) - [Storyline Sips](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/themed-drink-menus) (Lifestyle) - [Bedtime Cocoon](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/sleep-sensory-blocking) (Lifestyle) - [Source Signatures](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/oak-finish-whiskey) (Lifestyle) ## Trending in Lifestyle - [Mystery Packaging Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cow-not-laughing) - [Multi-Benefit Protein Shakes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/comes-in-three-flavors) - [Creator-Led Learning Series](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/learning-series) - [Accessible Fintech Pop-Ups](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chequing-account) All articles: [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle)