Having little to no opportunities to meet new people outside the home, many singles have turned online dating into their only type of meeting new potential partners.
So, in what ways did the worldwide pandemic affect dating?
Gwendolyn Seidman, Ph.D., claims that singles are highly likely to turn to virtual dates. The professor of psychology made that statement after looking through data from a survey conducted by Match.com covering the way singles are dating during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Here are some facts:
The survey showed that the people who went on video dates were less than 20%. Most of those who agreed on a virtual meeting were aged between 18 and 24. Interestingly, 56% of these singles felt actual romantic chemistry.
What is more, 59% of the video daters had meaningful conversations, while 65% felt more attracted to the other person after the unusual date. Besides, surprisingly, 50% claimed they ‘fell in love’.
In what way will this tendency affect the future of online dating?
To begin with, most of the people who have already experienced virtual dating are positive they would continue. However, as only one-fourth of all the participants in the survey tried video dating during quarantine, perhaps only about 12% of all singles will continue using it as a main type of meeting after the pandemic is over.
Nevertheless, if meeting via video chats remains a trend, it could significantly affect future relationships. Research conducted by scientist Jeana H. Frost suggests that going on a virtual date before meeting in person may encourage potential partners like each other more when they go on a real date.
When will singles be able to jump back into the world of in-person dating?
With the coronavirus pandemic still affecting our lives in various ways, many single people are hesitant to start dating in real life. Understandably, they have deep concerns closely related to the possibility of contracting the dangerous disease while meeting in person. On the other hand, others are beyond impatient to go back to normal dating.
The Match.com survey also covers that aspect of dating amid and after the pandemic. According to the website’s study, the majority of singles said they were ready to start dating as they used to before the quarantine. What is more, some of them have already continued, while others admit they have never stopped. Contrarily, out of the ones who took part in the survey, 38% reported that they were still reluctant to resume.
Having in mind the severity of the coronavirus pandemic, a large amount of the singles interviewed claimed they would make COVID-19 safety a priority. One of the main things they consider to discuss with their companions is whether or not they have been practicing social distancing. Moreover, around 20% said they would insist on mask-wearing while on dates. By the same token, some 10% are willing to go on real dates only with people who quarantined for 14 days before their meeting.
Mask-on dating: Yay or Nay?
Since face masks have become an essential part of our lives, mask-on dating has a serious potential to turn into a real thing. Besides, it could also affect the way we perceive attractiveness. As per a study called ‘Beauty and the Mask’, people find masked faces more appealing than unmasked ones. These findings suggest that not only the pandemic will affect the way we date, but the way we attract one another in general.
Overall, the COVID-19 pandemic may entirely change what we now see as ‘normal dating’. Even though the majority of singles believe they are ready to go back to real-life contacts, many of them are still disturbed when it comes to health and safety. It is yet to be revealed whether or not our dating habits will return to normal, or we will create a new normal that will suit our pandemic-related concerns.
Do you think that the pandemic will significantly affect the way people date? Leave a comment to let us know!
