The prevalence of smartphones, which has simultaneously enhanced people’s ability to connect with others while creating a breakdown of in-person communication, has also inspired more students to turn to online dating.

The common questions become: Who uses these apps and websites? For what reason? Are there any tips or strategies to be successful? To answer these questions, 57 Columbia students and subscribers anonymously filled out a Google Forms survey about their online dating habits.

There are those who believe meeting someone virtually is not a replacement for meeting in person. Senior cinema art and science major Danny Mahoney pointed out the artificial side of online dating.

“I feel like online apps are appearance-based, where you try to convince someone to date you,” he said.

On the other hand, senior cinema art and science major Sky Robitaille likes using online dating because it provides an opportunity to get to know someone without the anxiety of meeting in person.

Mahoney also believes in the advantages of online dating. The surveys reflect this sentiment; nearly 80 percent of survey participants use online dating apps or have in the past.

“It’s a good way to meet other people,” Mahoney said.

According to the survey, about 85 percent are looking for relationships, 33 percent for hookups and 56 percent for friendship. Some of the recipients selected more than one reason, resulting in a total above 100 percent.

“It’s handy if you’re looking for a hookup. However, if you’re looking for a real relationship, it can go either way,” Robitaille said.

Despite all the things online dating has to offer, users still have to be careful who they talk to and what they disclose.

“It’s always kind of scary meeting someone from online because you don’t really know who they are,” Robitaille said.

When meeting for the first time, she recommends a public place, such as a coffee shop, before revealing an address or other personal information.

People may leave out important details about themselves or their lifestyle choices. One participant of the survey described his experience going on a date to discover that she was a neo-Nazi, a fact that certainly was not on her profile.

Mahoney advises caution when online dating, telling users to make sure they have the correct information before meeting someone.