THE answer to Bunbury’s love drought has been found in time for Valentine’s Day, with new research from Telstra revealing 15 per cent of people in Western Australia use mobile apps to score a date.
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In addition, Western Australians are most likely to be connecting using technology, with almost 15 per cent saying they are in a long distance relationship.
Telstra surveyed 1,250 people aged over 18 asking how they go about meeting potential partners and how they plan to declare their love to their Valentine on February 14.
The results also found that 60 per cent of people who reported using dating apps are now in a relationship.
Telstra Country Wide Area General Manager for WA South and East, Boyd Brown, said the research shows many Bunbury men are using their smartphone as the modern wingman.
“Social media and dating apps coupled with bigger screens and faster mobile network speeds means smartphones have really become the ideal wingman for single guys.
“One in three people in Western Australia admitted they have been asked out via social media, with men more likely to ask someone out on a social media platform like Facebook,” Mr Brown said.
“We’re also seeing more locals in relationships connecting with their Valentine via technology, with 50 per cent opting to call their partner for a catch-up and one in three couples saying they prefer to text their Valentine to show their affection.”
Telstra is again helping Australians around the country declare their Valentine through the Billboard of Love.
The Billboard of Love is a 26 meter high electronic billboard located on one of the country’s busiest intersections – the corner of Swanston Street and Bourke Street Mall in Melbourne.
People can send a text of love to their Valentine and we will project it on to the giant screen. We will then send them back a picture message showing their message as it is portrayed on the billboard.
“Last year Australians sent more than 40,000 text messages to the Billboard of Love which kept the messages on the billboard ticking over for three days - even Dave Hughes and Warnie got involved,” said Mr Brown.
“This year we are aiming to break that record by asking people from around the country to take part.”