For 26-year-old Mumbai-based Sanjana Deshpande, discussing important topics such as mental health and feminism early on with a potential dater helps her gauge a person’s perspective. According to Deshpande, someone’s opinion on such topics provides better insight into their personality. She expresses, “I have experienced mental health challenges and understand their gravity. I would prefer a partner with a similar outlook on these issues rather than someone who trivialises or dismisses them.”
A recent study conducted by Tinder reveals that singles are prioritising shared values (31%), emotional availability (30%), and shared interests (28%) while looking for a perfect partner.

Checking the bio before swiping right
According to daters, a quick review of the bio and profile helps them identify common interests. Speaking about checking the bios of potential matches, 32-year-old Diwanshu shares, “Firstly, I quickly review the profile to check for any commonalities and identify singles from similar backgrounds, such as those interested in sustainability, climate consciousness, and veganism. It makes me feel more relatable and confident in approaching them.”

Mental health, sustainability, and equality: Top priorities for daters
According to dating apps , having shared values is non-negotiable for many users, and understanding where their match stands on key issues is important for the growth and longevity of a relationship.
“Topics such as mental health awareness, sustainability, climate change, and similar subjects are frequently mentioned on users’ profiles, particularly those from urban areas. We have also observed users highlighting their interest in social causes, including human rights, gender equality, poverty alleviation, and animal welfare. This indicates that daters are increasingly focusing on intentional dating , prioritising shared belief systems to build meaningful connections,” says Ravi Mittal, founder of QuackQuack.
As per a Bumble report, there is a noticeable shift towards authenticity. Daters are taking the time to find someone who supports their unique interests before committing to a relationship.

‘Having similar interests can be advantageous, but it should not be a deal-breaker’
Modern dating apps now serve purposes beyond finding romantic partners. They are increasingly used to build networks, share interests, and even enhance professional profiles, among other purposes. “Having similar interests can be advantageous, but it should not necessarily be a deal-breaker when meeting someone. Alignment on deeper, more significant matters often carries greater importance in choosing a partner. That said, shared interests can certainly simplify lifestyle compatibility and make the relationship smoother,” says Aanchal Gupta Kalantri, a relationship expert.
“While sharing similar priorities doesn’t guarantee compatibility, it helps build bonds. For me, this is crucial, as I struggle to connect with people without relatability or meaningful dialogue,” says Sanjana.
Echoing similar thoughts, Diwanshu adds, “I don’t believe sharing the same priorities is essential for compatibility. However, having a similar mindset or, at the very least, good ethics is important.”

Talking point:

• Mental health and climate change were among the top five fastest-growing bio mentions in 2024, as per Tinder India report. It further revealed that 82% of Gen Z singles find matches more attractive when they prioritise mental health
• Additionally, over one-third of young Indian daters stated that matching with someone who cares about the environment is very important to them. More than 44% expressed a preference for eco-friendly activities, such as beach clean-ups, gardening, and tree planting, as first-date options, reveals a Tinder report
• Previously, the most prominent social causes featured in bios included LGBTQIA+ rights, the climate crisis, animal rights, mental health, and environmental issues
• According to Bumble, 1 in 4 (27%) women worldwide are starting conversations on topics like budgeting, housing, climate change, and career goals

Steps to check if your match aligns with your values

• Have open and clear conversations
• Ask thoughtful questions to understand their perspectives
• Spend time in real-life situations to see if their actions align with their stated values
• Engage in value-oriented activities that reflect your shared priorities to evaluate compatibility
• Regularly assess whether their behaviours consistently match their words

( as suggested by Aanchal Gupta Kalantri, relationship expert)