REVEALED: 95.8% of Web Users Meet Singles on Social Networks »

Bars, gyms and cafes are no longer the only places to meet other singles. If you’ve ever met a romantic interest on Facebook, you’re like 95.8% of participants of a new survey who say they “most often meet people online via a social network.”



Social networks and mobile apps have changed the way we meet people, date and maintain intimacy in our relationships. There are dating apps for us to meet local singles and social networks apps built for pairs to connect privately. The web is also influencing the way we flirt, according to the Tagged State of Flirting Survey conducted in mid-September.

Almost 32% of respondents say they have flirted with 1 to 10 people online. Nearly 21% of survey participants say they have met more than 100 individuals on the web. Flirting takes many forms online. If someone is consistently commenting on your status updates and pictures or is frequently tweeting you back, take it as a sign of interest.

One-third of the survey participants believe online flirting is “fun and harmless.” Another third of respondents believe sending a flirty Facebook message, suggestive Tweet or fun email is the easiest way to get the ball rolling on romance by making his or her interest known. If someone is sending you private messages or following you on many social networks, they might just be a fan.

What exactly are men and women looking for when meeting people online? Nearly 74.2% believe their criteria online similar to what they are looking for when meeting individuals in person, whether it’s smarts, confidence or looks. About 17% say they are more “particular” online. The survey reveals a profile picture is a must for online users looking to date or to start a relationship. Other important components include location, interests and friends in common, according to Tagged.

If you’re wondering if the playful messages, poking and tweeting amounts to anything, it does. Nearly half of survey participants say after a month, they are okay with bringing their playful online connections offline to meet in person. About 28% say they only wait a week before going on a date, while 7% of respondents say they typically wait a day.

On social networks, users are flirting with friends of friends, their “crushes” and individuals they’ve just met. More than half of the participants say they flirt online with “anyone” — individuals they have only met virtually.