An increasing number of Indian singles are adopting a unique way of attracting attention on online dating apps that involves including pictures of their pet animals in their dating profiles.
The practice, which has been coined as 'pet-fishing' by its practitioners, is becoming popular among those looking to use more subtle means of starting conversations. As per a study conducted by the dating app, happn, around 19% of Indian users include pets in their dating profiles.
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More than just cute photos
Pet-fishing involves the use of pictures of pets, usually dogs and cats, to show personality traits like friendliness, empathy, and responsibility. Despite appearing trivial, according to experts, the phenomenon illustrates a fundamental change in dating behavior.
Pets are perfect ice-breakers. From the survey, 21% of the participants said pets were useful in breaking the ice, easing the pressure of a formal introduction. In many cases, one picture of a pet could say more about a person than an elaborately written biography.
There is also a perception benefit. About 26% of those surveyed said owning a pet made a person seem "softer" or more approachable. Additionally, 22% found pet owners more attractive when considering whether to pursue a relationship further.
Dating is changing
The growing popularity of pet-fishing shows the evolving nature of dating preferences. For younger users, especially those below 30 years old, there seems to be a higher sensitivity to pet-owners' cues, which they interpret as signs of gentleness and emotional availability.
Pet-fishing is also shaping the dating process. Although 33% of those surveyed preferred formal coffee dates, there is an increasing preference for less formal meetups like walks at a park or stroll on a promenade.
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Not a shortcut to compatibility
Although popular, pet fishing cannot guarantee compatibility since love for pets only acts to facilitate conversation and does not substitute for common values and lifestyle preferences.
The entire phenomenon can be considered an indicator of the new attitude towards dating which is now more focused on authenticity than the image created during courtship process.
As digital dating continues to evolve, pets are becoming part of the social language people use to connect, without overshadowing the need for genuine interaction.
