Your dates are definitely judging you for your crappy old phone

If you're rocking a cracked screen or an older model, get ready to be lonely forever.
 By 
Cassie Murdoch
 on 
Original image replaced with Mashable logo
Original image has been replaced. Credit: Mashable

We all love our phones. But if you're trying to find an actual person to love, your ancient Android or scratched up iPhone could be hurting your chances.

New survey data shows that your device of choice and how you use it can speak volumes about you. Though you may not have to buy a new phone just yet. It turns out impressing a date might be as simple as putting yours away and having an IRL conversation with them.

This damning data for phone slobs comes from Match’s latest Singles in America survey. It found that single people who have older model phones are 56 percent less likely to get a date in the course of a year. Women, in particular, mind an outdated device. They were 92 percent more likely to judge you for having one.

Have a cracked screen? You’re going to die alone. Just kidding, but it is a turnoff, according to Match’s data. Fortunately it’s far more upsetting to Gen Xers and Boomers. Millennials aren’t that put off by it. Though women overall are 86 percent more likely to cast a skeptical eye on you if you haven’t repaired your screen.

More than the condition of your phone, the brand matters. Daters are irritatingly loyal to their chosen companies. Android users were 15 times as likely to look down upon you for having an iPhone. While iPhone users were 21 times as likely to judge you poorly for using an Android.

No matter what kind of phone you own, you probably shouldn’t be using it at all -- especially if you're trying to romance someone on Valentine’s Day. Data from a new OpenTable survey found that 55 percent of people think it is never acceptable to use your phone during a Valentine’s Day meal. And 78 percent said using a mobile too much is a "mood killer." (It was considered worse than being rude to restaurant staff or mentioning an ex.)

They did find some exceptions. A full 71 percent of millennials, bless their hearts, think it’s fine to break out a phone during a V-day dinner. And one third of all respondents said it’s okay if you’re taking selfies or photos.

Match's survey found that 45 percent of singles find turning off your phone during a date to be a turn on. And 33 percent said they'd be impressed if you didn't take your phone out at all. So there is an upside to keeping your equipment firmly in your pocket.

But eventually you'll have to show your love interest your device. So should you scramble to see if you’re upgrade eligible or break your contract so you can seamlessly join a family plan with your future soulmate? Eh, probably not. After all, your phone is a reflection of who you are, as much as your clothes and your taste in music. And if someone can't appreciate you for who you are, you don’t need ‘em.

Mashable Image
Cassie Murdoch

Cassie Murdoch is Mashable's Culture Editor.. Before coming here, Cassie was Senior Culture Writer at Vocativ. She previously wrote for Jezebel and The Hairpin. Cassie spends most of her time thinking about and consuming cheese in all its glorious forms.

Mashable Potato

Recommended For You
Google announces dates for I/O 2026
Signs for the conference are plastered around Shoreline Amphitheater during Google's annual I/O developers conference


Samsung Galaxy S26 phone cases: Where to get fun ones right now
Four Samsung Galaxy S26 phone cases on a colorful background

Tecno's got the most modular phone ever
Tecno modular phone


More in Tech

Trending on Mashable
NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for April 3, 2026
Connections game on a smartphone

NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for April 4, 2026
Connections game on a smartphone

Wordle today: Answer, hints for April 3, 2026
Wordle game on a smartphone

Wordle today: Answer, hints for April 4, 2026
Wordle game on a smartphone

Google launches Gemma 4, a new open-source model: How to try it
Google Gemma
The biggest stories of the day delivered to your inbox.
These newsletters may contain advertising, deals, or affiliate links. By clicking Subscribe, you confirm you are 16+ and agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Thanks for signing up. See you at your inbox!