...for those individuals who are looking to open with something more exciting than simply saying "Hi", or "Hello, how are you", I offer up some suggestions. There is nothing technically or socially wrong with this opener, but it is kind of boring, and doesn't always spark a great conversation, or, nothing more than a general enthusiasm, going in.
First, what attracted you to this person? ...the smile, the look, their dress code...? What? Say so, like: "...you're smile and fun style, got my attention", or, "...I noticed you had blah, blah, book on your shelf-I read that too! ". For me, this illustrates a commonality, a bridge in which to cross over for more conversations, ...about books maybe... or whatever that commonality was, that you saw in their photo. That means, pay attention to the details.
Second, a person's profile narrative (if they have one) is loaded with conversation starters. Pick something you may be familiar with, or if they are of the same career, same university, or field of study. Even if it isn't the same field, but you have some knowledge or awareness-that can be a good conversation starter. Example: " Hello! I had two friends who went to XYZ University, they said it was wild!! I studied blah blah, at ABC University, and ended up here in Los Angeles working at blah, blah. You familiar with that here, or do you work on the 123 side of things..."
That, is a conversation starter. Is there any info in this persons profile that you can relate to, that you know about, or are familiar with? That, is a conversation starter.
**If they do not have a profile narrative, pick something based on their likes, circled below their photos. Or, take the photo, its surroundings, and write a sentence based on what you see. Then, try and formulate a conversation based off of that. Some imagination is required (!).
**If they do not have a narrative or photo, and you are still interested, I'd just flat out have fun with that (!): "...Hello! I noticed you didn't have a picture or profile!? What gives??? You a monster or a movie star????..."
...and Third, be transitional. Feel your way through topics to get a feel for the person. As in, "...I like to read, but I also enjoy theater plays and all the restaurants in that part of town. I go often...".
...And finally, in order to make all of this work, you have to have some consistency, and be genuine in your search. You have to be in it. I believe many folks don't "talk" on here, not because the are "this", or they are "that"; I truly believe some folks just don't know how to let their best self come through. And, some folks, for all their education and labels, still don't know how to start, or carry a regular conversation. A conversation that isn't boring, or one that gets no response.