LinkedIn Becomes A Background Check Tool For Potential Dates

LinkedIn is increasingly being used alongside dating apps as singles look for more information about potential partners, according to a new survey from resume platform Zety.

The survey of 1,023 US employees found that 21% had used LinkedIn to research someone they met through a dating app or in real life. Nearly half of respondents, 48%, said they considered information on LinkedIn more trustworthy than information on dating apps.

The findings point to a growing role for professional profiles in the dating process, particularly as users become more cautious about who they meet offline. Employment history, education, mutual connections and career information can provide additional context that is often absent from dating profiles.

At the same time, the survey suggests that direct romantic use of LinkedIn remains controversial. While 26% of respondents said using the platform for dating was acceptable, 74% believed romantic advances crossed a professional boundary. Some 22% said they had either sent or responded to a LinkedIn message with romantic intent, while 12% said they had formed a romantic relationship that began on the platform.

There are also concerns about the professional consequences. Sixty-five per cent of respondents said using LinkedIn for dating could damage their reputation. Asked how they would react to receiving a romantic message, 34% said they would feel uncomfortable and 19% said they would report or block the sender. Only 16% said they would feel flattered.