Daters Use LinkedIn as Private Investigator for Matches

Singles are increasingly leveraging LinkedIn as a tool to vet potential romantic partners, effectively turning the professional networking platform into a private investigation service for dating. This trend highlights a growing tension on LinkedIn, as users and matchmakers sometimes treat the site as a source for romantic prospects, despite the company's explicit policies against it. LinkedIn's professional community guidelines clearly state, "LinkedIn is a professional networking platform, not a dating site," and prohibit users from "pursu[ing] romantic connections, ask[ing] for romantic dates, or provid[ing] sexual commentary on someone’s appearance or perceived attractiveness." Despite these rules, the practice persists, with individuals using the platform to gather information on potential dates.

One notable instance involved North Carolina-based writer Pat Brothwell, who received a message request on LinkedIn from Marin Haugo, a matchmaker associated with Maar Dating Club NYC. Brothwell initially suspected a scam but was invited to discuss potential matches. During their meeting, Brothwell felt the matchmaker had conducted only a superficial search into his background, comparing it to a "cursory search" by a headhunter. Haugo's assertion that distance would not be an issue and her suggestion that Brothwell fly to New York for dates led him to believe her clients might be of a significantly higher socioeconomic status. He perceived a "weird angle" where the matchmaker seemed to be seeking individuals excited to date wealthy clients, suggesting a dynamic that felt "a little bit more than met the eye."

Brothwell ultimately did not meet any of Haugo's clients. The interaction concluded after he informed her he was a nonfiction author conducting research for his blog. Brothwell surmised that Haugo ceased communication due to concerns about being written about. Haugo did not respond to Fortune's request for comment regarding the encounter. This experience underscores the broader phenomenon of individuals using LinkedIn profiles to assess the professional standing, career trajectory, and potentially the financial stability of romantic interests, a practice that circumvents the platform's intended purpose.

A June survey conducted by Zety, which polled an unspecified number of individuals, revealed that a significant portion of daters are using LinkedIn to screen potential partners. The survey indicated that 70% of singles have looked up a date on LinkedIn, with 53% stating they have done so to verify information or check for red flags. Furthermore, 40% admitted to using the platform to assess a date's financial status or career success. This widespread use suggests that LinkedIn has become an indispensable, albeit unofficial, tool for modern dating, providing a curated glimpse into a person's professional life that can influence romantic decisions. The platform's wealth of information, from job titles and company affiliations to educational backgrounds and professional endorsements, offers a seemingly objective basis for initial assessments, even as it blurs the lines between professional networking and personal relationships.