As many countries continue to follow social distancing guidelines to help curb the spread of COVID-19, more people are opting to stay home. Now online dating apps have seen a significant increase in usage across the world.
Given the rapid spread of the virus, and the disarray that comes with it, it might surprise you that people have the bandwidth to contemplate dating. But in times of crisis, people need distraction.
Zhang Xiaojing is a 33-year-old accountant for a foreign trade company in Beijing who has been spending time scrolling through her dating apps since the novel coronavirus outbreak.
Bottom line, Zhang is looking to find a boyfriend and get married as soon as possible.
“I used to participate in some offline dating activities during the weekends, but almost all gatherings have been prohibited. Cinemas and bars were shut down to curb the spread of the deadly virus. I have to remain indoors to avoid getting infected.”
△ Customers stood six feet apart outside a supermarket.
Zhang lives alone and feels very bored so she downloaded several online dating apps. They included Momo and Tantan in a bid to make new friends, and to give her some relief from the stress and loneliness.
She noted that Tantan’s way of finding dates, unlike traditional dating websites, is more interesting and simple.
“You just browse the profiles recommended to you based on your location, distance and gender preferences. Swipe right if you like someone, and swipe left to show you are not interested.”
“I chat only with the people that I am matched with, and can also choose to hide my contacts. The app adds other functionalities which people can use for free. For instance, I can play games, upload pictures or texts and share videos on it.”
For Zhang, online romance in the time of the contagion has become more than just finding love. It is also a source of comfort and connection.
Online dating apps have seen a significant increase in usage due to the COVID-19 outbreak.
△ Wedding service company employees film a wedding ceremony for live streaming in Xi’an
Industry experts said the “cloud matchmaking” method, which includes live streaming and short video formats which comply with the habits of users and satisfy the needs of self-presentation, is gaining tractions among singles.
A report released by mobile dating app Tantan said the average time people spent on the app in early and mid-February increased over 30 percent compared with the average usage during normal times. The number of users surged 60 percent during the peak hour which often runs from midnight to 1 am.
During a time when many singles are separated from friends and family, dating apps provide another layer of human connection, a sense of normality. That’s why online dating apps turn hot around the world these days.
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SOURCE | China Daily / Forbes / Vox
