Unraveling the enigma: Meet Ryan, the infamous man of the Triangle dating apps
The dating app world is full of stories and experiences, but there's one man who stands out among the crowd in the Triangle area. Ryan, the enigmatic traveler and entrepreneur, has amassed a reputation for his frequent account deletions, his ability to appear on multiple dating apps simultaneously, and his seemingly endless stream of matches. When WRAL agreed not to disclose his full name and image, Ryan agreed to sit down for an interview.
Embracing flexibility
At a Raleigh sushi joint, Ryan showcased his authenticity by effortlessly matching the charm in his photos. He opened up about his dynamic lifestyle. He is a frequent traveler both for business and leisure with roots in the Triangle.
"I run my own company, splitting my time between the Triangle – where I have family and friends – and various other places due to my travel commitments," he explains. This lifestyle forms the bedrock of his distinctive dating approach. As someone constantly on the move, Ryan leverages his ever-changing location to tap into untapped dating prospects on platforms like Hinge, Tinder and Bumble. He candidly revealed his practice of resetting his profiles when he changes location to ensure new matches align with his current whereabouts. However, this has led to confusion among women in the Triangle who spot his profile resurfacing time and again.
Optimizing the algorithm
Ryan's found a way to leverage the apps' algorithms to heighten his profile visibility. He leverages the "noob boost" – the heightened visibility a fresh profile receives for 24 to 48 hours – to his advantage. This surge in visibility translates to a flurry of matches, motivating him to reset profiles periodically to revive conversations and seek new beginnings. "During the first 24 to 48 hours, a profile gains 5 to 10 times more visibility across all apps. While I lack precise metrics, this boost is an integral part of the algorithm," Ryan says.
Freedom and adventure
Ryan is looking for more than mere connections; he seeks adventure. His intention is not to settle down but to encounter like-minded individuals willing to explore the world alongside him. As a content single, he employs dating apps to enrich his day-to-day experiences. For Ryan, the focus is on savoring the present without the weight of immediate commitment or settling down. He shares, "While I'm not against marriage and family, I'm not actively pursuing it right now. In fact, I'm somewhat resistant to it."
Navigating the data
Ryan's prowess in amassing matches reflects not only his strategic acumen but also exposes an inherent imbalance within dating app dynamics. Studies suggest that a small percentage of men garner the lion's share of attention. Ryan's remarkable visibility mirrors the exposure celebrities might have enjoyed prior to the app boom. This understanding of shifting dating dynamics empowers Ryan's success in this digital domain. "I acknowledge the immense impact of dating apps on my life. My circumstances would be vastly different without their popularity. As a non-drinker who prefers meaningful interactions, the apps align with my strengths," he says.
Meeting up: A numbers game
With so many matches, one might wonder how often Ryan actually meets people in person. He humbly acknowledges that the frequency of dates depends on the circumstances. When he is in an area with a solid friend network, his focus tends to shift more towards socializing within that group. However, when exploring new locations without established connections, he has gone on a significant number of first dates. Perhaps it's his extensive experience or his ability to adapt to various situations, but Ryan admits to becoming adept at navigating the sometimes-awkward conversations that arise during these initial meetings.
"I've been single since 2015, and I've probably gone on 500 to 600 first dates," he said.
Ryan, the infamous man of the Triangle dating apps, embodies a unique approach to dating in the digital age. His frequent account deletions and strategic optimizations reflect the ever-changing nature of his travels and the need for flexibility. By understanding the intricacies of the dating app algorithms and the dynamics of user engagement, Ryan has been able to create a whirlwind of matches and experiences. As he continues on his journey of freedom, adventure and self-discovery, Ryan stands as a captivating character in the evolving landscape of modern romance.
