More swiping, less meeting: how online dating has gone more virtual amid the coronavirus pandemic


By Iris DengTracy Qu

Online dating apps are more popular than before, but users are becoming more selective about meeting up in person amid social distancing measures. Instead, daters are chatting on apps longer, and getting creative with virtual options such as video calls, online games and Netflix Party. — SCMP

They matched on dating app Coffee Meets Bagel and had been chatting for about a week, bonding over a shared passion for travel. But after he asked her out a few times, Hong Kong-based freelance writer Monana Liu decided to politely and firmly turn him down one last time, cutting off contact.

Although 30-year-old Liu said she normally would not mind going out with the man she matched with, his persistent requests to meet up – at a time when the city was racing to contain a third wave of Covid-19 cases – put her off.

Unlock 30% Savings on Ad-Free Access Now!

Monthly Plan

RM13.90/month
RM9.73 only

Billed as RM9.73 for the 1st month then RM13.90 thereafters.

Annual Plan

RM12.33/month
RM8.63/month

Billed as RM103.60 for the 1st year then RM148 thereafters.

1 month

Free Trial

For new subscribers only


Cancel anytime. No ads. Auto-renewal. Unlimited access to the web and app. Personalised features. Members rewards.
Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!
SCMP , online dating

Next In Tech News

Apple eyes using AI to design its chips, technology executive says
Amazon CEO Jassy says AI will reduce its corporate workforce in the next few years
Real risk to youth mental health is ‘addictive use’, not screen time alone, study finds
How to generate images with ChatGPT on WhatsApp
Poor grid planning could shift Europe's data centre geography, report says
Meta in talks to hire former GitHub CEO Nat Friedman to join AI efforts, The Information reports
Microsoft prepared to abandon high-stakes talks with OpenAI, FT reports
Waymo brings its cars to NYC for testing, applies for autonomous driving permit
Microsoft planning thousands of job cuts aimed at salespeople, Bloomberg News reports
Circle, Coinbase shares soar as Senate clears path for stablecoin regulation

Others Also Read