Survey Finds Growing Use of LinkedIn for Dating Purposes

LinkedIn is emerging as an unexpected tool for dating research, according to a recent survey by resume-building site Zety.

The survey of more than 1,000 U.S. workers found that 1 in 5 respondents had used LinkedIn to research a potential romantic partner. Additionally, 1 in 8 said they had formed a romantic relationship that originated on the platform.

Nearly half of respondents viewed information on LinkedIn as more trustworthy than details shared on traditional dating apps. Profile photos, bios, mutual connections, career paths, and education levels were cited as the top factors sparking romantic interest.

The study revealed generational and gender differences. Millennials (33%) and Gen Z (27%) were more likely than Gen X (19%) and baby boomers (6%) to use LinkedIn for vetting partners. Men were more than twice as likely as women to consider the platform appropriate for dating purposes.

Despite these trends, 65% of respondents expressed concern that dating via LinkedIn could harm their professional reputation. Three-quarters believed the site should remain strictly professional, while 26% viewed it as acceptable for personal use.

Receiving romantic messages on LinkedIn elicited mixed reactions: 34% felt uncomfortable, 31% were neutral depending on context, 19% would block or report the sender, and 16% felt flattered.

Researchers noted that LinkedIn’s verified career information provides a perceived layer of credibility in an environment of online misinformation and ghosting. The platform has inadvertently become a background check tool for some users, with many specifically using the platform because it has a different feel and audience than a standard dating app would.