Why Some Online Daters Use Astrology as an Emotional Shortcut for Compatibility
It’s easy to find out what someone’s sign is
You don’t know enough about the person; they’re just a profile on a site. While getting to know them takes time, information about their sign is easily available. It would be a different story if you were dating in person, but in 2025, most people will continue to meet their significant others online.
In April 2024, online dating users in the US spent almost an hour a day (50.9 minutes) on dating apps, with the time being highest for millennials. Women spent more time on dating sites than men and online dating was safe, according to 68% of daters, but a breakdown by gender was not available. The popularity of online dating shows no sign of waning, with promising prospects for people seeking to find partners in cyberspace. But yes, it takes more time to get to know them online, and information about their star, rising, and moon signs is easy to obtain: you only need their date, time, and place of birth.
Astrology claims to deliver a wealth of information
Based on this information, a wealth of details become available. Sun sign compatibility is one well-known approach for gauging compatibility. Fire signs (Leo, Aries, Sagittarius) are compatible with other fire or air signs (Libra, Gemini, Aquarius). Earth signs (Virgo, Taurus, Capricorn) are best with other earth or water signs (Scorpio, Cancer, Pisces). Air signs are best with other air or fire signs, and water signs are best with earth or other water signs.
While a relationship between two Tauruses won’t be fodder for romance novels, these stable earth signs won’t have a problem with that. Tauruses are not interested in sappy love stories. They prefer safety and stability and tend to be homebodies seeking a long-term partner. They’re affectionate, loyal, and hardworking. Both are good with money, so they’ll be financially compatible.
It’s a different story with dating a Taurus, for example, if you are a Leo. The two signs are quite incompatible due to major differences in values and temperament. Both are fixed signs, meaning they can be stubborn and unwilling to compromise. Taurus craves stability and security, while Leo seeks attention, excitement, and admiration. Taurus can be possessive, which clashes with Leo’s need to shine and be social.
The role of rising and moon signs
The rising sign is the astrological sign on the eastern horizon at the time of birth. Being specific to a time and place, it signifies the individual conditioning and environment a person received during childhood. This is why astrologers believe it’s connected to self-presentation, especially in social situations.
The Moon represents inner needs and emotions. There is the idea that you share certain concerns and feelings with a sun sign that has your moon sign, but without the potential conflict that might arise between people with the same sun sign. Such matches suggest that the couple will be able to understand and appreciate one another.
Frequently overlooked signs of incompatibility
People risk being over-reliant on astrology. They tend to attribute qualities to a person based on their sun, moon, or rising sign. It’s easy to overlook other signs, including ones of obvious incompatibility, such as lacking shared hobbies or differences in musical taste or eating habits. You might think it’s not a big deal they don’t like music until they shut off the radio when you’re sitting in the car together, and then you sit in uncomfortable silence. And imagine, as an occasional drinker and steak lover, being with a sober vegan.
In sum
According to a 2024 poll, 70% of Americans believe in astrology, and the number is increasing, especially among Gen Z. Researchers tested whether personality traits could predict such beliefs. They collected data from 264 participants through an anonymous survey and found narcissism was the strongest predictor. The relationship between beliefs and intelligence was negative. Astrology has the potential to attract as well as reinforce individual differences.
