COVID-19 has certainly changed many things in the world these days. When it comes to the future of dating, the pandemic may significantly influence these aspects:

• The hookup culture will not be so mainstream.

Since the 1960s, the hookup culture has gradually become very mainstream in western countries. However, due to COVID-19, social distancing is compulsory in every country all over the world. Also, more and more people are aware of the potential risk of hooking up with a random stranger nowadays. Therefore, a growing number of individuals will realise that casual flings do not bring true happiness to anyone – the connection isn’t real.

As a result, the future of dating will be best characterised by genuine connections between soulmates. Now we know that even meeting someone suitable in person isn’t easy, so we are more likely to cherish the opportunity for an emotional connection in the first place.

• Many people will prefer old-school methods to meet suitable candidates.

No, online dating will not disappear; truthfully, online dating will still be popular and commonplace for a very long time. Nevertheless, the lockdown has made a lot of people figure out that chatting with singles on the Internet doesn’t take them anywhere most of the time – it’s very time-consuming. Thus, lots of singles will consider old-school methods in order to meet high-quality candidates.

That means singles will join speed dating events and hire professional matchmakers. Please note that these tailored services are not supposed to be free because you are asking someone to find you a soulmate rather than a fling! And that’s a big ask.

As a matter of fact, statistics show that elite singles tend to choose personalised matchmaking services, so if you are keen to meet a high-calibre person for a serious relationship, you would be well-advised to use a personalised matchmaking service as well.

• People will cherish true love even more.

I know this statement sounds a bit corny, but here is the uncomfortable truth: Before the pandemic, we probably took too many things for granted, including a large number of opportunities to meet and date people that we are attracted to. Nonetheless, after the pandemic, we will fully understand that true love is pure gold – it’s not something that we should take for granted. Hence, instead of dating multiple people half-heartedly without committing to anyone, many more individuals will choose their partners more carefully and more wisely & then give their partners radical affection, real attention and true love.