Thanks for the comment! I think the “optional” question prompts on certain dating apps can help give you a better idea of what someone values/enjoys, but you are still making a surface-level assessment. As soon as you match on an app, you can exchange messages back and forth. Through that, I’ve found you can tell pretty quickly whether there’s a spark there — friendship or otherwise.

Personally, I still wouldn’t use it for finding a romantic partner. I think the reason why is because “friendship” has a relatively agreed upon definition, while “romance” doesn’t — some people on apps are looking for hooking up, some serious relationships. There’s a lot more variables that affect the likelihood that there’s a true connection there.