Last Sunday, popular dating app, Tinder, saw over three billion swipes globally – the most swipes the app has seen since its launch in 2012. As well as the increased swiping , conversations are now 10-20% longer than previously worldwide. Members are, according to the app, connecting with more care than before. And, yes, there are a lot of people talking about toilet paper.
According to Tinder, the significant jump in use is down to the app's new and free 'passport' feature, which allows users to connect with anyone, anywhere in the world. As a lot of us are feeling the pressures of staying at home, we can now use Tinder to transport ourselves anywhere in the world. So we can catch up with the people from our hometown or where we went to school, perhaps the city we used to live in. Or we can even use the feature as a way of getting recommendations for 2021 holiday destinations.
Elie Seidman, Tinder CEO, said. 'We hope our members, many of whom are anxious and looking for more human connection, can use Passport to transport themselves out of self-quarantine to anywhere in the world. We’re inspired by how people are using Tinder to be there for each other, and we want to fan these flames of social solidarity.'
Whether you're an active Tinder user or you're new to the platform, it's good to know that you can still maintain your dating life in a lockdown. Here are the best ways to 'get back out there,' figuratively speaking of course.
DISCOVER: How To Maintain Your Dating Life In A Lockdown
How To Maintain Your Dating Life In A Lockdown
1 of 7Virtual Speed Dating
I recently took part in a speed dating session, cleverly coined, Isolation Rotation. Using the power of Zoom, the session started with a group conference call and then pairs would be sent into five minute 'break-out' rooms. It's a simple, but effective concept, and one that's also being replicated by London speed dating company, Date In A Dash. Being in the comfort of your own home, with a glass of wine (or two,) really takes the edge off, more so than speed dating IRL.
2 of 7The Intro
The Intro is a dating app that's fairly new on the scene. It's popular amongst young professionals in London, and previously worked by arranging a date at a nearby bar or pub, when two members match. But, adapting to the governments recommendations on social distancing, the app now schedules a video date for its members instead.
3 of 7Tinder
If you're less into video chats, voice notes and phone calls, then stick to what you know – swiping. 'Right now distance is the hottest date,' we couldn't agree more Tinder. The app has reported that conversations are now 10-20% longer worldwide. And, with the apps new 'passport' feature, you can connect with anyone, anywhere in the world, available for free to all members.
4 of 7Hinge
We're all familiar with the dating app that's 'designed to be deleted,' but all that swiping is going to get tiring without going on a single date... Fear not! Hinge have announced the launch of its new 'Date from Home' feature, where users can easily share when they're ready for a digital date.
5 of 7Bumble
Bumble has launched, not one, but a bundle of in-app features, improving the way users connect and date while in lockdown... 1) The Virtual Dating profile badge – easy to spot who is up for a video call. 2) A nationwide distance filter – meet people from across the UK.3) Audio note recording & Direct message replies – Whatsapp watch out!
6 of 7Letter Writing
If you're already dating someone, but are bored with communicating virtually, then it might be a good idea to take it back to basics. Why not give good old fashioned letter writing a go? It doesn't have to be endless pages of romantic spiel, but it's a fun alternative to sending a text. Plus, a great way to get your daily exercise in – quick walk to the postbox anyone?
7 of 7Bubble Date
And, if all else fails, and you really can't bear to not meet or see this person, you can always invest in a giant bubble...