Survey finds looking for love virtually suits shy types and over half daters check partners' online profiles before first dates.
 
Though Hongkongers are renowned for working long, long hours, a new survey by Paktor ­– creator of a leading Asian social networking app – reveals that many are hungry for love. Most respondents claim to date at least weekly, and almost a third date two people simultaneously. Even so, many frown on sex before marriage, and find falling in love takes time.
 
The survey polled 500 Hong Kong men and women about their attitudes to and techniques for dating. An impressive 63% of them reported dating more than once a week, with around 30% saying they date two people at the same time. But this does not mean most are lusty lotharios or wanton women; instead, responses indicate Hongkongers are more prude than rude, with 48% of women and 28% of men saying they will never have sex before marriage.
 
Respondents also wanted to be dating more often than they actually do, citing "busy work schedule" as the main reason holding them back. Plus, 28% of all respondents said they are not good looking enough to readily find dates, and a third of women lack opportunities to get to know new people.
 
And while social contacts played a key role in bringing people together, the survey also revealed information technology's importance in modern dating. Some 30% of respondents find partners via dating sites and mobile apps, well over half of them might check people on the internet before first dates, and 53% ask people out via mobile phone messaging. 
 
"The results bear out our experience at Paktor – using digital channels is the new trend for people to find and contact dating partners," said Joseph Phua, CEO of Paktor. "Indeed, given the busy lifestyles and lack of confidence in face-to-face interactions, this is especially suited to Hong Kong. We also find that people prefer some kind of communications to understand each other before going on a first date."
 
When it comes to that all important first date, for 43% of respondents it takes less than 30 minutes to decide whether they want to meet the date again. But even if impressions are positive, this does not mean love at first sight, as just 5% of respondents could fall in love within minutes, while 23% find Cupid's arrow doesn't strike for at least a month,  and perhaps over a year.
 
Cleanliness is key to making a good impression on a first date, chosen by two-thirds of respondents, and closely followed by nice outfit (56%) and good smile (47%). Asked to pick up to three physical attributes they usually checked in their dates, 80% of all respondents selected eyes, half of women picked hair, and over a quarter of men opted for breasts. Bad breath topped a long list of potential turn-offs, chosen by 47% of respondents, with swearing ranking second, and others including dirty fingernails, bad skin, yellow teeth, and heavy makeup.
 
"Back in the 16th century, Shakespeare wrote, ‘The course of true love never did run smooth'; and for all society's progress since then, our survey results show this remains the case – with Hongkongers busy yet looking for love, and perhaps more unsure of themselves than they should be," said Phua. "Finding that special someone remains a challenge, which Paktor makes a little easier through enabling dates for people who find themselves mutually attractive. And then, with personal grooming and good clothes, true minds may become united in love."
 
About Paktor
 
Founded in April 2013, Paktor is a leading Asian social networking app. Dedicated to getting users a date before their friends do, Paktor is recognized for its emphasis on anonymity, locality, and usability for their users. Taking dating to a whole new level, Paktor makes it fuss-free and conveniently brings people together, without the pressure.