Raya

I’ve been on this app for almost 2 years and it kind of feels like Instagram but stagnant profiles. i’ve matched with celebrities and people that have a pretty good job in the entertainment industry, but the offers of dates are either going to their house and getting drunk or for some reason people wanting me to go into a Jacuzzi and drink with them. I had one man harassing me when he got my Instagram and wouldn’t stop trying to peer pressure me into going to his Jacuzzi. The other issue is that none of the UI is working like I can’t change my age range settings. It’s very clunky and confusing. it’s also saying my email doesn’t exist, which doesn’t make any sense. there’s also some people I’ve already seen that are on hinge that are also on this app. I really wish they would have a better UX design. For those who can’t seem to get on, just know that you’ll be seeing the same people probably on the other apps. Also, it might just be easier to DM people on Instagram if you’re interested in them or met irl. and as always, make sure you get tested, heard some horror stories of people off this app having STDs and not disclosing it since they’re “famous”. I wish they had a better screening system for some of these men who are predatory. I’ve matched with some cool people but it just didn’t really lead anywhere. Also there’s some aggressive men I didn’t even want to match with who tried to get up into my DMs which I ended up having to change all my IG settings.

I go off and on with online dating, giving it a shot here and there. I have stints of giving relationships a shot and then come back to it, all the while keeping the subscription active. I’ve been on Raya for a while, I’d say almost 2 years. it’s not without the same issues as all online dating platforms, people ghost, they match and don’t start conversations, etc. I’ve accepted those as now normal behavior on dating apps. But I do think Raya has more attractive and interesting people, so I don’t mind paying for it with the prospect of finding myself a beautiful and creative person. In the beginning I match pretty regularly, but it seems I haven’t matched with anyone in months on Raya, despite the tons of new users I’m seeing and liking. I’m wondering if it’s because I’ve been on there for so long they’ve simply stopped showing me? It certainly feels that way. I know they claim to be selective and sensitive to the community, so I wouldn’t be surprised if they’ve deemed me undatable or something because of how long I’ve had the app. Def get in and get out with this app. Paying for it longer than a year seemingly puts you on their matching blacklist and becomes just a frustrating waste of money. I started up a different dating app recently and the matches are coming in hot. So, not to sound cocky, but I don’t think it’s me. Will not be renewing the next round.

I went on Raya after seeing one of my clients on bumble. I needed something with a little more privacy than bumble and tinder. My friends in bigger cities suggested Raya. Unfortunately, if you don’t live in LA, NY, or any large populated city this app will not work. I have matched with people but no one from where I am from (Portland, Or). The only reason I even matched with others was because I was traveling at the time in ATL and DC for work so my profile must have been seen more. Also, I wonder if there are discriminatory practices in the algorithm. My friend and I were hanging out together on our raya apps and she had way more options and it even showed her more people on the “members near you” section. It was concerning raya didn’t show me the same members when my friend and I were in the same location. Also, raya claims the app won’t show you more options because raya wants to encourage speaking to current matches. This is false. When I have no conversations occurring, I still don’t get options. An app that gives you 7 options a day and 80% are in different cities does not truly facilitate relationships. In conclusion Raya is not worth the money. It could be worth it if you live in LA or NY. Also, if you travel a lot and are looking to connect with someone from a different state. Don’t expect to match and meet with someone like normal apps if you are from an average sized city like Portland. It is not worth your time or money