The Ultimate Guide to Enjoying a Virtual Date During Lockdown
Lockdowns and social distancing make it challenging to date, not to mention the colossal undertaking of meeting anyone new
Dating can be complicated. It’s a clumsy and awkward dance. However, if you add in a contagious airborne disease and quarantine directives into the mix, then you can expect it to be more than just a little challenging to navigate the intricacies of a date. It can be a colossal undertaking to meet anyone at all.
Fortunately, in the digital age, finding a connection with someone isn’t only easier today than it ever was in the past. Tech makes it possible to build connections, even amidst a global pandemic.
From social media to online applications, virtual dating has become the new norm for those looking to find a partner with whom they can go out with. And while physical contact is still essential in the dating dynamic, it all starts with some candid conversations.
According to an April 2020 survey of online dating app users in the US, 31 percent of respondents were using online dating apps or services somewhat more than prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. Thirteen percent of respondents say they were using online dating apps less.
This underscores the interest in keeping connected and being part of the active dating pool, even with travel and physical restrictions.
But before you jump into the virtual dating scene, there are a few things that you’ll need to understand. After all, getting to know someone over the internet is neither as simple nor as straightforward as some might believe.
Get ready to explore dating apps
One of the most challenging aspects of dating in the virtual world is finding the right application or platform for finding people. You have the likes of Tinder and even Facebook as mainstream options, and a host of others like OkCupid, eHarmony, Grindr, Bumble, Match.com, etc.
There are apps for specific needs and niches, like the LGBTQ+ community, for example. Or dating apps that specifically revolve around certain interests.
It makes sense to do some research before committing.
Make sure that you check what people have to say about the platform or app that you’re interested in joining before you jump in.
The temptation to pad your profile
Anti-malware maker Kaspersky says at least 11 percent of online dating profiles are fake.
However, the Pew Research Centre finds that the number that considered online dating to be a good way of meeting people had grown to 59 percent, from 44 percent 10 years prior.
The virtual aspect of dating might tempt you to change your personality to become more interesting and or keep the momentum going. However, it’s a good idea to remain true to yourself, if you expect more than just a virtual interaction with your date.
After all, it can get awkward meeting up in-person once the pandemic ends if expectations aren’t set correctly. And you’ll just come out dishonest if you try to become someone who you’re not.
But that’s not to say that you shouldn’t put your best foot forward. Whether you choose to date through video chat or mostly through direct messages, it’s still a good idea to make your date comfortable. However, you must never compromise who you are in the process.
Fun ways to pass the time
Sure, there’s a limit to the activities that you and your date can do online, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that you should limit yourselves to conversing over a meal or a few drinks.
So try to find fun ways to pass the time. From streaming videos or playing multiplayer online games over the internet, enjoying the company of your partner through these bonding experiences can make it feel as if you’re both within arms’ reach.
Finding shared interests will also make it easy to determine your compatibility both on- and offline.
Optimizing your profile
No matter which platform or application you choose, there’s a good chance that you’ll need to create a dating profile before you get started.
Of the most significant advantages of virtual dating is that it allows you to get a feel about a person before you decide to commit, and vice-versa. As tedious as it might be to fill out your profile and take a few decent photos, it can make all the difference in giving you a better virtual dating experience.
Find proximity
Once the pandemic ends, you’ll likely want to spend time with your virtual date in-person. However, it’s less likely to happen if your partner lives halfway across the world from you. As such, it makes sense to go for those who are in close proximity.
Virtual dating is an excellent way to meet new people and build relationships amidst the current global pandemic. Optimizing your profile and interactions will ensure you and your virtual dates can have a better experience than you would have otherwise.