Online dating has become a necessity than a trend that people are following routinely. And post pandemic circumstances seem to have contributed in giving a virtual space to Indian’s romantic relationship. Although large percentage of India’s population was a frequent user of dating apps way before Corona hit. But the statistics says, there has been a huge jump in the numbers of users in last two years. According to statisa.com, around 31 million people out of country’s population use dating apps and specifically 67 per cent are identified as men. Male dominance is expected on such sites due to gender specific issues in India.
Increase in number of users is coming from tier 2 cities. The difference is observed within post pandemic phase that still continues. Information says, 70 percent of dating app users is from outside the metropolitan cities in India. Shift from offline to online dating has become a choice now, despite pandemic restrictions has been lifted from state administrations. As per the local survey people are opting for video calls rather than a physical date to know each other. Young generation is calling ‘Virtual date’ as a new cool and a convenient option in multiple situations. Some of the commonly used dating apps in India are Tinder, Hinge, Happn, OkCupid, TrulyMadly, Bumble, and Woo.
Farhan is a 28 years old and often use Online dating apps. ‘I was introduced to this concept during my college days and since then I find it very convenient and successful. I am not judging it on the basis of number of successful relationships I had during this journey, but yes it has definitely given me an opportunity to connect with somebody sharing the same interest as I do, with lot of other preferences’, he said. Farhan believes there is no particular age to get married or for a commitment. And online dating has provided that idea in this generation. He said, ‘Earlier, finding a partner was a big task. Either it was done through relatives or friends. There was no other way. But through online dating apps, we have got a chance to connect with strangers and to know about them. And especially there is no friend or a family member involved. You can choose whoever matches your vibe or has compatibility. And the wonderful part is if you both don’t agree on the terms, you can mismatch with them and still continue your search.’ He thinks, these apps are quite careful with the privacy policies and users appreciate it.
According to the information, Gen Zs (18-25 years old) are becoming more comfortable in presenting authentic self socially. And pandemic has influenced this perspective in every way possible. Farhan shares with EAT news that 2020 must have witnessed surge in number of online dating app users. He said, ‘Everybody started using Tinder and Hinge. Because I know some of my friends who were against the idea of dating apps, installed it gradually during the time of lockdown and are still continuing it. With lockdown, we have adapted the concept of online dating with such open hands that now we have started relying on this process.’ He further added about false narrative it has among people. ‘Lot of people has a viewpoint that online dating apps are fraudery and promotes fake relationships. That people are there only for hookups and are not really serious about the courtship. I won’t say these apps are like matrimonial sites that advertise marriages and has a score of successful relationships but virtual dating space has proved a solvent one for many users out there. There are people who have ended up getting married and met on dating apps’, said Farhan. He uses Hinge and Happn and calls them his personal favorite dating apps.
Post pandemic has changed people’s way of living. Hygiene and face mask is still a priority to many of them. On asking does Farhan also categorize his demands in such a way, he responded, ‘Before, it was a big deal. Pandemic did affect our habits and lifestyle. We became more conscious of our health and routine. In 2021, I did considered these precautions while meeting people but now since the wave has gone and the situation is under control, such demands are not on my list. But yes, hygiene has always been a part of my life and with the pandemic it has become a necessity. So, I firmly stand with this non-negotiable thing’. Tinder has been named as a best rated dating app in India. It supports three regional languages besides Hindi and English including, Bengali, Tamil, Telugu. With 100M+ downloads on androids, in an average it gets daily downloads for up to 15,500+. Whereas Hinge is the second best rated dating app in the country with 100M+ downloads on androids. A paradigm shift from offline to online dating in India has become a potential alternative post pandemic.
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