More singles turn to online dating apps amid outbreak


BEIJING: Zhang Xiaojing is a 33-year-old accountant in Beijing who has been browsing dating apps since the coronavirus outbreak.

She is looking to find a boyfriend and get married as soon as possible.

“I used to join offline dating activities during the weekends, but almost all gatherings have been prohibited and cinemas and bars have been shut down,” she said.

Zhang lives alone and downloaded several online dating apps, including Momo and Tantan, out of boredom.

She noted that Tantan’s way of finding dates, unlike traditional dating websites, is interesting and simple.“I chat only with people I am matched with and can choose to hide my contacts. The app also has other functionalities which people can use for free. For instance, I can play games, upload pictures or texts and share videos,” she said.

For Zhang, online romance in the time of the contagion has become more than just finding love. It is also a source of comfort and connection.Online dating apps have seen a significant increase in usage due to the Covid-19 outbreak.

Industry experts said the “cloud matchmaking” method, which includes livestreaming and short video formats which comply with the habits of users and satisfy the needs of self-presentation, is gaining tractions among singles.

During the outbreak, those born in around 1995 and after 2000 have become the top users of Tantan, recording an increase of over 20% in messages sent and daily matches. — China Daily/ANN

Get 20% OFF The Star Digital Access

Monthly Plan

RM 13.90/month

RM 11.12/month

Billed as RM 11.12 for the 1st month, RM 13.90 thereafter.

Best Value

Annual Plan

RM 12.33/month

RM 9.87/month

Billed as RM 118.40 for the 1st year, RM 148 thereafter.

Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!
dating apps

Next In Regional

Indonesia to establish national peatland, mangrove agency to curb recurring fires
Taxi driver killed, 11 others injured as vehicle hits Discovery Bay bus and truck
TikTok darling and Cambodia's famous daughter Princess Norodom Jenna will headline the opening ceremony of the Asean Hyundai Cup
Trump touts Iran inspection deal as Tehran disputes claim
9.3 million�illicit cigarettes seized by Customs
Japan 'robot wolves' in high demand to scare off bears
Lula won’t sideline China or anyone in rare earths, tells Trump refining stays in Brazil
Asean still not ready to accept Myanmar leaders at summits, meetings, says Tok Mat
Anwar holds bilateral talks with S'pore, Laos counterparts
Asean vows to avoid export bans, share fuel as oil prices soar

Air Pollutant Index

Note: API is calculated based on 24hr running average of the most dominant parameter.

Highest API Readings

    Select State and Location to view the latest API reading

    Others Also Read