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Almost 70% of young people look someone up online before a date
According to YouGov Omnibus research carried out in the UK, 40% of these 70% become suspicious if they find no online trace of the person.
Younger people, in particular, are very likely to look up prospective partners online. 53% of respondents aged 18-24 always search for social media profiles before a first date, with another 16% saying they do so frequently. Only 5% never look up potential dates online.
25-34-year-olds are also likely to look up a potential date, with 32% saying they always do and 19% doing so frequently. Just 14% don’t do online searches.
The trend still holds true among older generations – 18% of those aged 35-44 always look someone up, and 13% do so often. The numbers decline with age. 15% of people aged 45-54 look up a prospective date.
An online footprint reflects a process of personal reinvention
Having an online footprint, especially through dating site profiles, reflects a process of personal reinvention and openness to new beginnings. After a divorce, for example, people often find themselves reevaluating their identity, desires, and relationship goals. Being active online becomes an intentional way of shaping how they present themselves to the world, marking a fresh chapter. It allows individuals who are willing and open to dating after divorce to express who they are now, not just who they were during or before their marriage. A person’s photos, bios, and even the tone of their posts yield insight into their emotional readiness, values, and communication style. Managing this footprint thoughtfully can help attract like-minded partners while setting boundaries.
Moreover, your online presence gives potential dates a glimpse into your lifestyle—whether you’re active, social, creative, career-driven, or family-oriented. Consistency across platforms builds credibility, while showcasing hobbies or passions helps people relate to you more quickly. Social proof, such as mutual friends or endorsements, also adds to your trustworthiness.
The exceptions
It’s not unheard of for X users to bond over a desire to find someone off the grid. The prospect of dating someone who is offline creates intrigue. As of February 2025, 5.07 billion people (62.6% of the world’s population) used social media, and 259 million new users came online in 2024. Someone abstaining from social media and dating sites can be a rare gem. Since we can’t check their history, meeting them is an adrenaline rush: we have no preconceived notion about who they might be.
For some, digital absence signals mindfulness and intentionality. These individuals often value privacy, real-life connection, or minimalism. If you’re in the same mindset, the lack of a digital trail might not be alarming—it might even be refreshing. But this is only true when both parties feel similarly about digital exposure.
But why is your dating life screwed?
Exceptions aside, the absence of an online footprint tends to create suspicion. Our brains work hard to alert us to threats and help us decide who or what to watch out for. They go into overdrive when we hear dating horror stories, so they might look to “fill in” the threat in a harmless situation. Instead of seeing less harm, they may convince us that a harmless thing is nothing of the kind and make us suspicious when we don’t need to be.
Suspicion is deeply intertwined with anxiety, the most common mental health disorder. Anxiety rates increased from 3.7% to 4.4% worldwide from 1990 to 2021. Adults aged 18–29 are the most prone to anxiety of all age groups, and men are less likely to experience anxiety than women.
In this context, a blank Google search may trigger unnecessary worry. People may assume you’re hiding something or not serious about dating. This digital invisibility can work against you, especially when transparency and safety are key priorities in today’s dating culture.
How to clean up your digital footprint
You don’t want to cause suspicion, but you don’t want the world to see what you’re all about at a glance, either. Googling yourself is the first step. If you’re unhappy with any photos or account details that appear, you might consider creating new accounts.
Do an audit of the profiles or accounts that you have created online. These may include accounts for online shopping, gaming, etc. They are easy to forget. Delete information and deactivate any accounts you’re not using. Search your inboxes for emails from websites if you have forgotten your username. Most major websites have a process to follow to retrieve this information. Check your privacy settings on the different websites you’re using to make sure they meet your needs.
Use professional-looking profile pictures and update bios that align with your values. Consider making at least one social media account semi-public with limited but polished content. For dating-specific platforms, ensure your tone is authentic, positive, and true to who you are today. Consistency is key.
Conclusion
In an era where first impressions are often formed through a screen, your digital footprint plays a crucial role in shaping your dating prospects. Being invisible online can raise red flags—even if unintentionally—because people rely on digital cues to determine trust and compatibility.
A thoughtful online presence isn’t about vanity; it’s about communication and connection. It shows you are open, accountable, and ready to build something meaningful. Whether you’re fresh out of a relationship or just getting into the dating scene, curating your digital identity can be empowering. It gives you control over your narrative, helping you attract the kind of partner you truly align with.
So, if you can’t be Googled, your dating life might not be doomed—but it will need a little more effort and intentionality. Being digitally visible, while maintaining your authenticity and privacy, is the sweet spot.
