During this time of social distancing, it can be easy to feel alone especially if you’re living by yourself. With so many craving human connection, it’s a surprising opportunity to find a new romantic partner. Many are wondering, how are you supposed to build a connection if you can’t meet the person face to face?
It’s no secret that online dating has grown immensely popular over the last 10 years, but now people are gravitating towards dating apps more than ever.
If the thought of meeting up with a stranger gives you a pit in your stomach, then this may be your time to take advantage of social distancing and shelter at home orders to “meet” people in creative ways.
With about three out of four American’s under a shelter in place order, video and audio dates are gaining prevalence among dating app users.
Tinder has seen a surge in usage within the last few weeks. The amount of messages of U.S. users has increased 10-15 percent each day since March 15.
Tinder and Bumble are advocating for virtual dating through their platforms.
- Bumble
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- Tinder
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OkCupid is another commonly utilized dating app in major cities like New York and San Francisco.
“In many cities, coronavirus has become one of the top icebreakers in messages to matches,” Melissa Hobley, OkCupid’s marketing chief, said to The New York Times.
With so many individuals experiencing the loneliness that comes with social distancing and the disorienting feeling of adjusting to this new normal, many are turning to these dating apps for comfort.
The growing gravitation to dating apps first came to my attention when my eldest brother explained that prior to the virus he had never felt so sought after on these apps.
“What a notice now on these apps is that a lot of people are frantically trying to get to that connection because they don’t know if tomorrow is going to be different or how the virus will impact them,” Sam Koontz, my brother and San Francisco Resident said.
However, if dating apps are not for you, there are other options. You can approach dating during this social lockdown very differently and this is the time for imagination and grand gestures.
If the fear of rejection holds you back, just know, that if it happens now, at least it’ll be with someone you never actually met. Hopefully, that will encourage people to put themselves out there.
A romantic or even just a kind gesture rarely goes unnoticed, especially during this time. The trend of online gestures is also moving to social media with this TikTok video depicting two people meeting for the first time from their balcony and rooftop with the help of a drone.
https://www.tiktok.com/@jeremycohen/video/6807075946470837509
This period of social isolation, ironically, may lead to a time of real connection. Through sweet gestures and kind words, genuine relationships can be formed even over virtual platforms. So go for it! Message that person! What do you have to lose?