Online Dating in a COVID-19 World

Although it is a time of social isolation, the use of online dating is on the rise. At a time of social isolation and distancing brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, people are reportedly increasingly turning to online dating to build human connections. Statistics published by dating apps show a 10-15% increase in usage from February to March as well as an increase in messages sent (DW, 2022).For social dating apps that have built-in calling features, chat times have also increased in recent weeks.

The reasons

There are several viewpoints on the issue of online dating during COVID-19. Some see it as a real opportunity to “connect” with someone while others see it as a chance to get out of the carousel. Then there are others who are not quite sure what to do; how do you go about establishing a connection if it means a physical encounter may not take place for weeks or even months

Before we discuss online dating in the time of COVID-19, let’s put things into context. Although online dating has become the most popular way to enter the dating scene, various sources (data published by the dating sites themselves, market and consumer research, national surveys and scientific studies) suggest that the odds of finding a partner online are no better than about a third; conversion to a long-term relationship such as marriage is less than 10%. For social dating apps, the success of finding a match that turns into a relationship is even lower 10% for women and 0.06% for men.

But why such low success rates if there are so many potential matches online; and many near a person

Well, there are a number of reasons which I will briefly describe here.

A large pool of potential partners does not make it easy to find a match. It just means more information to process, more profiles to display, and the sheer volume can result in a person not paying much attention to profiles or being paralyzed, if not overwhelmed, by the number of potential matches. For these reasons, people don’t make the best decisions when looking for a match or not committing to a match.

Trying to form a first impression about someone through a profile is a bit like reading someone’s resume. The resume doesn’t tell you the whole story of the person, and it’s certainly hard to figure out how the potential partner will interact with you face-to-face. In fact, most information communicated between people is non-verbal. This makes it difficult to get an accurate first impression of certain people from their profiles. Because of this, it is possible for a probable match to fly through the radar.

Many sites and apps use algorithms to help users find matches. However, these algorithms rely too much on factors like similarity and complementarity which modern science says should not be weighted so heavily. Also, the algorithms assume that people have good insight and are truthful when answering questions (be it their personality, tastes, relationship goals, or swiping behavior). If people lack insight or are not truthful about their dating goals and intentions, these algorithms are unlikely to help a person find a match.

Finally, interaction with a potential match is heavily messaging-oriented in the early stages of establishing a connection. While this may be good at first, taking it too long can be a problem as people start to wonder why the communication hasn’t evolved into a proper conversation or an actual meeting. Staying too long in this messaging phase can also increase the chances of misinterpreting messages and developing false expectations of someone.

Online dating has become even more prevalent in a COVID-19 world as people seek to connect and form relationships while adhering to social distancing guidelines. Here are some key aspects of online dating in the context of the pandemic:

  1. Virtual communication: With restrictions on in-person interactions, virtual communication has become the primary way to get to know potential partners. Dating apps and websites have seen an increase in users as more people turn to online platforms to find companionship.
  • Safety considerations: COVID-19 has prompted a greater emphasis on safety in the dating process. Before meeting in person, many individuals engage in video calls or phone conversations to assess compatibility and comfort level. Discussions about health and safety precautions are also common before deciding to meet face-to-face.
  • Reduced casual dating: The pandemic has led to a shift away from casual dating and more towards meaningful connections. People are often more intentional and selective in their choices, seeking partners who share their values and long-term goals.
  • Long-distance relationships: COVID-19 has sometimes created barriers to travel and in-person meetings, leading to an increase in long-distance relationships. Many couples have had to rely on virtual means to maintain their connections until they can safely meet in person.
  • Virtual dating activities: To foster connections, couples have found creative ways to engage in virtual dates. This includes online games, virtual tours, watching movies together through streaming services, and cooking the same meal while video chatting.
  • Mental health considerations: The pandemic has taken a toll on mental health, leading to feelings of isolation and anxiety. Online dating can offer a sense of companionship and support during challenging times, but it’s essential to approach it with empathy and understanding.
  • Hybrid dating approach: As vaccination rates increase and restrictions ease, some people are transitioning to a hybrid approach, combining virtual interactions with carefully planned in-person dates. This approach allows for more face-to-face connection while still prioritizing safety.
  • Scams and catfishing: Unfortunately, the rise in online dating popularity has also led to an increase in scams and catfishing attempts. It’s crucial to stay vigilant and cautious when interacting with strangers online, avoiding sharing sensitive information or sending money to people you haven’t met in person.

Remember that online dating can be both rewarding and challenging. Take your time to get to know someone before meeting in person, and prioritize your safety and well-being throughout the process. Communication, honesty, and respect are key to building meaningful connections, whether online or offline.

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