Hinge, Bumble, Tinder. These dating apps have been thriving during Covid-19. For singletons, apps have been a saving grace during lockdown, with up to 46% of us experiencing loneliness; you've always got someone there to talk to. But let's not forget the bad side of the apps... From seeing someone you know, having a boring conversation, or even worse, getting ghosted.
Before April 12th, social distancing measures meant we couldn't go on a cute date and get to know each other in the flesh. Instead, it meant jumping on FaceTime and getting to know that absolute 'dreamboat' virtually. For introverts, it was a relief but for social butterflies, not so much.
It was reported by Sky News that in April 2020, messaging on Tinder had increased globally by 52% since the start of March and 44% of UK Hinge users have been on a video date since the new function launched in the summer.
Image credit: Mika Baumeister - Unsplash
Alex Sergent, CEO of Bare Dating said: "We think the dating scene has been positively affected (by the pandemic) in the sense that singles now take more safety precautions and are also more economical with their time when it comes to meeting people online,"
"There is more of a desire for apps to prove that matches are real and that singles aren't being scammed by the people they are talking to. Also, more singles now seem keener on arranging a quick video or voice call to see if they get on with someone before they meet them in real life."
Video credit: Bare Dating app
Amy Jackson, 27, a nail tech from London said: "I would never have gone online if it was not for lockdown. I prefer meeting someone in real life and I still feel that way no matter how many hours I've spent endlessly swiping left and swiping right but it has been fun."
It's not been all bad as Covid has brought us new dating apps like Bare Dating and many have been able to maintain their relationships, with couples spending more time together than they ever have and some even starting new relationships.
"We have seen a steady growth of downloads and users interacting on our native app which went live at the start of the year when we went back to lockdown. We now have 10,000 + users and this has been steadily increasing as we prepare to officially launch in London next month." Sergent said.
But Covid has also caused many breakups, with the Evening Standard reporting that one in five UK Bumble users say they’ve joined a dating site after ending a committed relationship as a result of the pandemic.
As the restrictions keep lifting, we can get back to the life we used to know (pre-covid) so let the dating commence!