In our digital age, online platforms have become a popular way of meeting new people. Whether that’s for dating, advertising jobs, or making new friends, we rely on the power of online connections. We have to give praise to the pioneer, the popular platform Craigslist, which has been around since 1995. Daters of the world may wonder, does Craigslist still have a personals section?
The short answer is no. Heartbreaking, we know! Back in the day, the Craigslist personals section was all the rage. Craigslist still offers the chance to buy a used sofa, but not to find digital connections. If you want to explore the possibilities of forming online romances or flirty flings, you’re in luck! Fortunately, there are other platforms you can use as an alternative.
In this blog, we’ll look at the history of the Craigslist personals section, why it closed, and the alternatives. Are you ready to dive into the world of the popular online platform? Let’s get into it!
The History of Craigslist: Diving Back in Time
In 1995, Craigslist gained popularity for its personals section. The founder, Craig Newmark, has the idea of creating a platform where people could connect online in San Francisco Bay. What began as “San Francisco Events” quickly became a brilliant idea. The small idea took off, becoming a great place to post about local events or services.
In the early 2000s, the platform became popular in other parts of the United States. It became a place where users could post house listings, jobs, and other adverts. It was ideal, and people quickly realized it was the way forward for spreading the word. After all, we all know how convenient the internet is.
Sure, jobs, appointments, services, and house listings are great, but what about the dating side of the site? The Craigslist casual encounters section was a place where people could find connections, activity partners, and anything else. It became the go-to place for people seeking relationships, casual connections, or even steamy dates and flings. The simplicity of the interface and the no-nonsense approach made it a popular and well-used site.
Craigslist Singles: Exploring the Site
One of the great things about Craigslist was the open-mindedness of the platform. Due to the different categories, people could narrow down their searches. This was especially ideal for the LGBTQ+ community, as it was an online space to connect with like-minded people.
Due to the popularity of the site, people of all preferences and desires could use it. Craigslist singles came from all over, searching for different encounters. Some of these included:
- Casual encounters
- Casual hookups
- Missed connections (the section for people looking for a second chance)
- Activity partners
- Steamy dates
- Long-term relationships
- Friendships
The platform was for everyone. No request was too much, and the space let people communicate with others in their area. Craigslist singles could use the site to their advantage whether someone wanted to find something serious or a fling.
How To Find Hookups on Craigslist: Going Back in Time
It was way back when Craigslist was the go-to hot spot for singles looking to make connections. People from all over the globe relied on the site to find like-minded people and casual encounters.
Do you want to journey to the past and discover how to find hookups on Craigslist? Let’s transport back to a world where Craigslist was your online dating platform of choice. Ready to find a hookup?
Here are some tips:
1. Find the Right Category
Craigslist is full of categories for daters to navigate. From “dating/romance” to “casual encounters,” there’s something for everyone to explore. To get more specific, there are also “women seeking men,” “women seeking women,” “men seeking men,” and more. Once you’re in the right category, you can begin your browsing or create an ad.
2. Create Your Ad
Found the category of your choice? It’s time for the good stuff; it’s time to create your ad. Creating an ad requires attention to detail, a bit of wit, and honesty about what you’re looking for. Be clear about your intentions and keep within the community guidelines. Be lighthearted and have fun with it.
3. Stay Relevant
Keeping your ad relevant and up to date is important. If you actually want to get what you want out of online dating, keep your ad fresh. You’re more likely to get the best out of the experience if you keep your ad as relevant as possible.
4. Respond to Ones That Catch Your Eye
See something you like? Don’t hold back. If you find yourself scrolling and you see a personal ad that sounds like something you’re looking for, respond! It’s the only way you’re going to get what you want. Take comfort in the protection of the screen, and dive right in. Whether it’s a casual hookup, a steamy date in your area, or someone to flirt with, make your move!
In the right category with a catchy ad, who knows who you could find? OK, back to reality now. But do you see how easy that was? Craigslist created an online space for people to explore their desires and find a connection. Navigating the site was a fun experience and allowed people the chance to mix with like-minded and open-minded people.
Craigslist Meetup: Creating Sparks in Person
Craigslist brought people together, making the platform a popular choice for dating. People could use it to find sexting partners and exchange numbers or plan meetups. From shared interests to activities and social occasions, the possibilities were endless.
Once people saw an ad that caught their eye or someone replied to theirs, they could plan to meet up. The “Missed Connections” section of the site was a good way to find a meetup. The section lets users connect briefly with someone they’d met in real life; it’s pretty romantic. Users could suggest a meetup in their ad or respond to one, get the responses going, and go from there. A Craigslist meetup was for anyone who wanted to explore their desires further.
Safety Precautions for Meetups and Pre-Meetups
Not to be a buzzkill, but keeping safe during meetups is super important. Even though the Craigslist Personals section is no longer an option, these safety tips are essential. So, keep them in mind for future dating ventures. Here are some safety precautions to take if you’re planning to meet up with someone you met online:
- Don’t reveal too much. Mystery is sexy, but it’s also important. Don’t let someone know too many personal details, like your bank details or home address. Keep some things to yourself; being the mysterious type is not a bad thing!
- Block or report suspicious behavior. If you notice red flags, make sure to take the steps to stay safe. Block or notify the user of the platform.
- Verify identities. A lot of sites these days have a verification system where users have to prove their identity. Look out for this; you’ll avoid interacting with fake profiles or bots.
- Tell someone where you’re going. If you’re meeting up with someone for the first time, let someone know when and where you’re going. It’s just a reassuring thought to know someone you trust is looking out for you.
- Start slow. Start slow if you’re new to the online dating scene and unsure how to navigate it! It’s not a rush, so don’t feel you need to dive all in at once. Depending on what you’re looking for, start with an activity date to break the ice. This is usually a fun way of getting to know someone better.
Being safe when online dating is absolutely essential. We’re not trying to kill your vibe; you still need to have fun! But keep these in mind and stay safe out there.
Why Did Craigslist Get Rid of Personals?
Now we’ve looked into the key aspects of Craigslist, it’s time to face the sad truth. The dating platform is no longer available. Why did Craigslist get rid of personals? In 2018, Craigslist removed its personals section. This was because of the Fight Online Sex Trafficking Act (FOSTA).
Due to controversies and potentially dangerous events, they took the section down. Of course, this created a large gap in the market and left many users feeling high and dry. Looking for a second-hand TV to buy in your local area? You can try Craigslist. Looking for casual sex? You’ll need to look elsewhere.
What Replaced Craigslist Personals?
The closure of the site struck many down in their search for casual encounters or connections. Leaving people without this outlet of sexual expression and the option to seek out their desires created a void. Thankfully, data on Cloudwards shows that there are 8,000 dating sites around the world. There’s still hope.
Since the closure in 2018, there have been some new alternatives for Craigslist lovers around the world. If you’re wondering what replaced Craigslist personals, you’re in luck! We’ve got you covered.
Here are some alternative websites that replaced the popular section:
- Dating apps
- Online dating sites
- Casual encounter/ hookup apps
- Social media platforms
- Adult-specific dating platforms
- LGBTQ+-specific dating platforms
To conclude, there are many options for people to choose from. These online dating sites and apps are ideal for people seeking sparks. There’s plenty to explore for people looking for anything from casual dating encounters to potential partners. In the following section, we’ll look at some alternatives you can try out.
Craigslist Personals Alternatives: Find Similar Sites
The well-missed platform is popular with millions around the globe. For anyone feeling its void, some alternatives use similar features. The key to online dating success is trying out a few sites to see which one works for you. It also depends on what you’re looking for.
According to statistics on HackSpirit, two in every five couples met online. So, don’t rule anything out! Some sites cater to people looking for relationships, and others to casual hookups.
If you’re looking for Craigslist personals alternatives, you’re in luck! Here are some ideas:
1. DoubleList
Are you seeking a site where you can hook up with all sexual orientations and explore your preferences? DoubleList is a great option for you! The site is active in 248 locations, meaning you can find someone nearby for a casual hookup. The best element of the site is the open-minded vibe. With DoubleList, you’re free to explore your kinks, your sexual preferences, and all kinds of desires. Browse, post, or respond to an ad and get those connections sparking!
2. Ashley Madison
Coming in hot is Ashley Madison, a site where you can hook up with married people. If discreet dating is your thing, this site is the perfect choice. The site’s slogan, “Life is Short. Have an Affair,” says it all. You don’t need to worry about being judged or worry about stigma here. It’s a safe space where users can fulfill their sexual wants and needs without getting caught.
Craigslist M4M Alternatives
In the aftermath of the closing of the Craigslist M4M section, people seeking male connections looked elsewhere. For gay men and the community, the open-minded space that Craigslist created was ideal. They could explore connections and interact with other like-minded people. However, there are some alternatives!
Here are some Craigslist M4M alternatives:
1. Reddit Personals
Users from all over the world use Reddit to discuss all kinds of topics. Yes, sexual ones, too! The site has Reddit personals for people looking to connect with others online and seek casual encounters nearby. The hookup subreddit is known as “R4R” (Redditor for Redditor) and lets people explore friendships and find dates, hookups, or relationships. For gay people, there’s the “r/GayMen” subreddit. Here, there is plenty to explore.
2. Adult Friend Finder
Adult Friend Finder is a hookup site that’s naughty by nature. If you want a more adventurous or exciting sex life, you’ll find it here. The site offers search filters, so you can navigate it quickly and get specific about what you want. This is an excellent alternative to Craigslist Personals as it lets people of all preferences and sexual orientations explore.
If you’re looking for a gay hookup or connection, give these sites a go! Their open-minded nature is perfect for people keen to explore and navigate the gay dating scene.
Craigslist W4M Alternatives
Similarly to the Craigslist M4M section, removing the W4M section created a large gap. Women seeking connections with men have to look to other dating platforms to find what they want. Whether you’re looking for something casual or for sparks to fly, there are alternatives you can try.
Here are some Craigslist W4M alternatives:
1. Locanto Personals
Locanto is similar to Craigslist in that it lets people post about events, jobs, or house listings. It has a “personals” section, so users can use it the same way people on Craigslist do. The “Casual Encounters” section is where the fun takes place, and luckily, everyone is on the same page. So, you can make your move and find an ad that catches your eye.
2. Tinder
Tinder operates in a slightly different way from Craigslist in that it’s an app that uses a swiping feature. However, similarly to Craigslist personals, Tinder lets users explore their desires without expectation. The app is well-known for finding people casual sex and one-night stands. So, you’re free to go after what you want in an open-minded space.
3. Oodle Personals
With Oodle personals, you can select the location where you want to meet people. This opens up a wide range of possibilities, creating a feeling of excitement. The site aims towards a more mature adult audience, meaning everyone is generally on the same page. The site is all about visuals, with tons of photos and images to enjoy.
There you have it! Some great alternative websites and apps to Craigslist personals. Of course, there are many more floating about the internet; it’s all about finding the right one for you. Are you new to the dating game, or do you want to recreate some Craigslist fun? Give these alternative websites and apps a go and see where they lead!
Ready To Dive Into the World of Personals? Try DoubleList!
Are you on the lookout for a platform that aims to recreate the spark of Craigslist personals? If so, try DoubleList. This popular site is perfect for people looking to explore desires and get experimental and adventurous. With the same personal ad concept, the site is a great way to tap into that Craigslist mindset. Now that you know the answer to “Does Craigslist still have a personals section?” you can dive into the alternatives. For an open-minded experience where you can explore your desires with like-minded people, sign up to DoubleList today!
