All around the world, countries are implementing rules for social distancing. The most common is the 6 feet of distance between everyone. People are encouraged to stay home whenever possible and wash hands.
For those who have other people living in their homes, this means closing their circle to their households. Although some people, essential workers, still have to go out, most people are minimizing social contact.
What does this mean for people who are single and live alone and rely on their dating life for socialization?
It means getting creative and dating sites have helped with that.
Dating sites have reminded people with messages in their inbox and intro messages on the app to practice social distancing and not meet people in real life. So, why would people even bother going on dating apps then? You can’t meet anyone, so why waste time?
Because when it comes right down to it, people need people. Staying home and not talking to anyone is hard! It’s lonely and frustrating and can bring on sadness and anxiety and depression for many people.
Social distancing should be more accurately called physical distancing. The rule for most locations is to keep a 6-foot distance between you and other people. That’s physical. There’s no reason that you can’t be social if you think outside of the box. And that’s exactly what the dating apps have done.
New Technology Abounds
Dating apps have realized that in order to keep people browsing through potential partners, they have to give the option to take it to the next level beyond messaging. Messaging is great at first but words are not going to make you feel less lonely, are they?
One of the most popular options that online dating apps have made possible is virtual dating. It’s now possible for daters to have dates within the safe confines of a dating app by going live with a potential partner. Some apps have included an option to go live to many people at one time and give you more exposure, like Plenty of Fish. Live Streaming can be entertaining and those that watch the live streams can make connections with the streamers.
Other apps, like Flinter, a blockchain dating network, gives daters the ability to meet one on one in a private room with video and have a date. It’s as close to dating in the real world as you can get, without actually coming within physical distance of each other. Flinter users can also use face swap technology to break any tension and create a light and easy environment. From there, the conversation can go anywhere you want it to.
Bumble has offered in-app phone calls – similar to Facebook or Snapchat, but without revealing your true identity. This gives users the option of having a conversation with someone that they are interested in. Hearing someone’s voice and having a conversation can be more revealing that simply engaging in messaging.
How Will This Change The Future of Dating?
One of the biggest changes in dating in the future may be that people are more willing to create connections within dating apps. Is this a good thing?
Creating a connection via video chat or a live stream can build trust and communication between two people. That connection may lead to people building up a more solid relationship before meeting in person.
Although the necessity for social connection without physical proximity has grown out of the current pandemic, singles may find that they like it. For women especially, being comfortable with someone before they reveal their real identity is important. Single people are likely to take advantage of the new technology introduced during this time to help them find partners that satisfy their needs and respect boundaries.