Although online dating remains can feel a little taboo, one in five of us are now “matching” with our partners, double that of 10 years ago. This rise rides tandem with the advent of Tinder, Plenty of Fish, Grindr, Hinge and many more. Since 2009, hundreds of apps have appeared offering users the opportunity to form new relationships. We’ve interviewed people who met their partners digitally to explore the vice and virtues of digital dating.

SUSAN, 61, MET HER FIANCÉ ON GUARDIAN SOULMATES

Why did you sign up to Guardian Soulmates to find love ?

I felt like there was no other way to meet people, especially at my age.

Can you tell us “your story”?

I dated a few guys and had a lot of fun, but they weren’t suitable for anything long-term. Then, as I was about to give up on the online dating thing a profile popped up that really piqued my interest. Every word rang true and he seemed so honest and open, that exceptionally I “liked” him. In time, after some chats via the platform, we exchanged email addresses and then mobile numbers. I found that he was honest, open and somewhat reserved, but I detected qualities that I had decided were essential in any future partner. We met on 12 June 2017 and have been inseparable ever since. We are getting married on a midwinter’s day in front of our friends and family with our children as bridesmaid and best man.

What advice would you give to fellow online daters?

Always be truthful and choose people whose profiles ring true.

JAMES BARLEY, 36, MET HIS PARTNER OF 3 YEARS ON SCRUFF

Why did you turn to dating apps?

On nights out I noticed that men in bars and clubs were either there with partners or looking at their phones. So I thought, why not join them? I had three apps downloaded: Grindr, Scruff and Tinder.

How did you and your partner meet?

After a horrible break-up, I thought I would never find someone again. I put it down to the split, which left me financially worse off, too. After a year of “matches”, “likes”, and “woofs”, I matched with my partner. The banter was there from the get-go – he was funny, warm and intelligent and I knew he would be a significant part of my life.

What advice would you give to a past you when it comes to digital dating?

Don’t send things you wouldn’t share with friends or family. Some people who just want one thing (eggplant emoji!).

What do you think makes the perfect profile?

Honesty and a decent real-life photo… no editing and applying filters!