Nearly half of daters (48%) have been sent an unsolicited nude picture from a match – with this happening an average of five times during their dating history.
This unexpected behaviour has left 45% of singles feeling disgusted and uncomfortable – with a third describing dating as “frustrating”, while 28% brand it “exhausting”.
Other top bugbears when looking for “the one” include being stood up on a date (40%), and being ghosted without explanation (43%).
As a result, 35% say their confidence has been knocked, with 44% feeling as if they will never meet the right person.
But a poll of 4,000 singletons, who are actively dating, are ready to turn the tide – with 54% wanting to call out these unwarranted behaviours from now on.
Three-quarters of Brits looking for love (74%) are planning to have a “spring clean” of their dating life in order to make sure the overall experience remains a positive one.
Nearly half (44%) will present their most true and authentic selves while dating, with 49% saying that “knowing their self worth” is one of the reasons they feel comfortable standing up to undesirable dating behaviours.
And 26% will be un-matching or unfollowing any potential love interests if they don’t fit the bill.
The research was commissioned by dating app, Plenty of Fish, which has partnered with author and life coach, Michelle Elman, to create the “Desirable Dating Guide”.
It shares advice on how singles can tackle undesirable dating behaviours, and engineer more positive experiences.
Michelle Elman said: “Helping daters understand and navigate different behaviours on their dating journey is something I’m really passionate about, which is why I’ve partnered with Plenty of Fish, to create the Desirable Dating Guide.
“The guide highlights some of the negative behaviours and experiences that can occur in the dating world, while also shining a light on how singles can enact some positive change.
“We’re encouraging daters to reflect on their experiences, and hope to foster a culture where online dating is both respectful and rewarding, and offer advice for how people can show up as their best, authentic selves while on the journey.”
The study found that women are more likely to receive unwanted nude pictures than men (55%, compared to 38%).
But taking matters into their own hands, 46% will now always trust their instincts and immediately end the conversation if they have any doubts about their match.
What’s more, one in five (19%) will share a potential date’s details with friends and family in advance, according to the study, carried out via OnePoll.
But 69% would like to see dating apps continue to do more to encourage positive behaviours – with 72% of women feeling this way.
One of the top ways singles are spring-cleaning their love life is to be kind and respectful to anyone they come into contact with, making sure the experience remains positive (47%).
And 38% will make sure their dating profile is as accurate as possible – while other personal improvements to be made include exercising more regularly (58%), getting more sleep (55%), and prioritising self-care (52%).
And 82% agree the benefits of self-improvement can lead to greater self-awareness and success when dating.
To further combat this problem, Plenty of Fish is launching the “Share My Date” feature for users to share key details of their date with a trusted contact.
Shannon Smith, resident dating expert for the dating app, said: “Providing a welcoming dating destination for singles is of the utmost importance to us.
“The realities of dating can bring lots of highs and lows, but we believe it should be a fun experience. Dating is an opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals and get out of your comfort zone.
“We created the Desirable Dating Guide to continue important conversations in dating, and remind singles that they should never accept less than they deserve while looking for love.”
