Covid-19 sees large rise in online dating

Online dating has seen a spike in recent months, with industry players reporting an 82% global rise in online dating during early March.

This dating trend could become the norm as 1 in 5 admitted to enjoying virtual dating, 15% of whom see its appeal due to not having to travel.

However, the novelty of dating apps seems to be fading. Only 1 in 10 said they still found dating apps exciting. Research has also found that only 7% of Brits find dating apps efficient at meeting a partner and over a quarter (36%) of Gen Z worrying about being catfished online. As a result, a third of Brits say they would prefer to meet their next date face to face.

Though, with a second lockdown pending, we may not have this choice. Even where the infection rate is lowering, more than half (51%) of people admitted to being reluctant to meet up due to fear of catching and spreading the virus. Of those who are ready to meet, 80% said they preferred a socially distanced date.

Aston spoke to Sarah Payne from Speed Dater to tell us more about alternative forms of dating during the pandemic.

Photo by Markus Winkler on Unsplash