MANILA, Philippines – Online dating can be a scary ordeal.

We’ve heard countless horror stories about people’s quest for love on dating apps — from their potential lovers turning out to be nothing like they expected when they meet them for the first time, to going on a string of disastrous first dates.

It’s why the concept of “organic encounters” has become such a hit lately. People now bank on real-life meet-cutes to find true love in its purest form without having to worry about whether or not they’re getting catfished.

Contrary to popular belief, though, some people do still find romance in the online world, just like Ian, 27, and Johanna, 24, who both met on Viber Dating.

This couple’s story is pretty unique. A year before they matched on the dating app, they both happened to have taken photos of the same spot on the very same date just hours apart, but didn’t cross paths right then. Instead, they met on Viber Dating, and only put two and two together after they had casually shared old photos with each other.

Perhaps organic encounters and online dating aren’t always one or the other. Sometimes, they can work hand in hand to help people find their true loves. Still, finding love online can be tricky, so here are some tips we can learn from Ian and Johanna’s love story:

1. Be intentional with the photos you choose for your profile.

Often, it’s your photos that will dictate whether or not a potential match will strike up a conversation with you. Choose photos that make you feel good, but still show the real you.

“We both uploaded five photos, a mix of selfies and full-body shots. We chose pictures where we felt confident but still looked like our real selves. For both of us, authenticity was important from the start,” shared Ian.

Don’t forget to also include photos that show you in your element, as it can allow others looking for love to see if you have anything in common. Photos of you doing your favorite hobbies or strolling around your favorite places already go a long way.

In Ian’s case, it was Johanna’s outdoorsy photo that hooked him, as someone who loves to be surrounded by nature.

2. Don’t be a “bad texter.”

You need to be able to sustain the momentum of your conversation. According to Viber’s 2026 report on the state of modern dating, women often find themselves getting frustrated with “very slow replies” — indicating that consistency is really key.

3. Conversation openers matter.

The first message in a potential conversation is crucial — so don’t be afraid to experiment and switch out your usual opening lines for something more exciting or out of the ordinary.

Just take Ian for example. It was the 2025 midterm elections season when he and Johanna first came across each other’s dating profiles, so he took it as a way for him to start talking to her — opening their conversation by asking Johanna who her top three senators were.

It was not only a fresh way to get the ball rolling, but a way for Ian to see if he and Johanna saw eye to eye, too.

4. There’s no need to rush out of the talking stage.

For many, it can feel tiresome to have to go through the talking stage again when they’ve already gone through several failed ones before with other people.

But for 31% of women in Viber’s modern dating study, they actually find it important to chat online first before they go out to meet their potential lover in person.

“Taking time was important, especially since we met online. It allowed us to understand each other’s personalities, set clearer expectations, and prioritize safety. That foundation made the first meeting feel natural instead of pressured,” Ian and Johanna said in a press release.

5. Keep an open mind.

Be vigilant, but be open to seeing who or what is out there in the modern dating scene.

Who knows? You might just find the one this way. – Rappler.com