The modern-day generation has witnessed and experienced a never-before-seen pandemic that changed the whole world in more ways than one. 2020 was a year when the world came to a standstill: no gatherings, no events, no business operations, and no regular amenities that everyone has been used to.
In the midst of all of these, people found themselves turning to and relying more on online services, using the internet for almost anything and everything they need.
It is also during this time when a surge and boom were perceived by various online businesses in terms of the usage of their apps and overall revenue. Digitization enjoyed immense growth and popularity as more and more people started to manage everything from the comforts of their home, including their medical needs, grocery items, and yes, even dating and searching for “the one” for them.
With the COVID-19 lockdowns in place, the development of dating apps has grown and reached the very top in just a matter of months. Due to the public health guidelines throughout the pandemic, people were left with no choice but to stay at home, unable to go out and meet new friends and dates.
Needless to say, online hookups and dating apps became the ultimate savior for singles during all the limitations put in place. And now, even as things are starting to go back to normal, it seems that the trend won’t be going away anytime soon and might even be here to stay for good.
Beyond this, here are other reasons behind the remarkable surge of online hookups and dating:
It Eliminates the Dreaded Awkwardness of First Dates
How many people around you avoided going out with an awesome person just because of their fear of the first-date awkwardness?
No one can blame them, though. After all, this first date and the first few moments before any of you said anything or opened your mouth can all be agonizingly long and dragging. So, it is not surprising that most singles avoid first dates like the plague.
However, if you get to know the other person better online first, this eliminates this awkward situation. Learning more about a person through a friendly video chat, casual messaging session, or even amidst an intense discussion in the forum will let you get to know that person without that bumbling and clumsy first encounter.
It’s Cheap
Yes, online hookups and dating are obviously cheaper. There is no need to spend money on pricey gifts, special treats, and expensive dinners. No need to pay for transportation, you provide your own food and refreshments, and all the rest of the dating expenses are simply nonexistent. If you are on a tight budget, you will probably want to extend this getting-to-know stage for the longest time possible.
Fit It into Your Schedule Easily
It always takes time to get to know someone. And between preparing for the date, the time you spent on the date itself, and coming down from a negative or expensive experience on the date, it is easy to see that dating definitely eats up so much time.
If your hands are always full, it can be a big barrier to your dating life. You probably won’t have lots of time to add socializing to your already packed schedule. This is the very reason why online dating and hookup is much more appealing.
You can call it a night already even after just spending 30 minutes on a video chat session. The date doesn’t need to take up several hours of your precious time. You can even spend hours texting your potential match with no need to disrupt your regular schedule. The entire process simply fits itself more seamlessly into your hectic life and busy schedule.
It Requires Less Commitment
Online hookup and dating also need less of a commitment on your part. Try to think of it this way: although it wouldn’t feel and look right to date several guys simultaneously, you can simply send out flirtatious messages to several cute profiles you found on the site at the same time.
It means there is less commitment when you are getting to know someone online, which means you can also back out if things don’t work for you.
There is Less Pressure for You
Everyone hopes to look their very best during a date. You go through a few rituals just so you can look more presentable or somewhat attractive at least to the eyes of your date sitting right across from you. You wear extra cologne and put on that dress that complements your figure.
But obviously, all these preparations can take long hours, especially if you need to meet up with the same person several times weekly.
On the other hand, online dates and hookups are so much easier and simpler to prepare for. For starters, the visual display will automatically lend itself to a more forgiving perspective. Even better, your date won’t be able to tell that you didn’t shower for a week. For better or worse, you can say that online dating takes a load of pressure off your shoulders in ways you probably didn’t even imagine.
It’s More Casual
In addition to the reduced pressure, online socializing is also more casual than you think. This can be either the result of the attitude of generation Y or it could also be because you might be chatting with someone while you are busy doing your job. Online dating and hookups simply have a more relaxed atmosphere. Many singles who are fed up with the stress, pressure, and drama of traditional dating will definitely appreciate and love this aspect.
It Guarantees Your Safety
Probably the biggest and most important reason behind the remarkable surge of online hookups and dating is that: Nothing beats the security and safety you feel every time you talk to a stranger via your computer or phone screen compared to when you are sitting right across from them.
You don’t have to worry that someone is stalking you nor do you need to worry about being roofied or physically overpowered while you are chatting with your date consists of nothing more than pixels.
What are you waiting for, then? The world is now smaller with the rise of online dating and hookups so be out there and find love!