Since COVID-19 escalated into a global pandemic, restrictions have been placed on activities or places that involve any physical contact.
Since being placed on quarantine, the world population is unable to leave their homes, thus making it difficult for those who are looking for their soulmates.
The amount of people using dating apps is constantly growing, according to a study from Stanford University.
Online dating is the preferable choice of many because users avoid face-to-face interaction and it also is convenient.
Nathan Godinez, a third-year student at San Diego State University and an active user of dating apps, spoke on his experiences with online dating and how it has changed since the pandemic.
“I think this is the case for most, stuck at home and bored. Online dating can be great to supplement some of the lighter downfalls of a quarantine, and I’ve noticed that I gained more matches than before too,” Godinez said.
The SDSU student believes that it’s beneficial enough that he recommended it to his friends.
“I would urge some of my friends, who were hesitant to join before, to download the apps now, while they’re booming.”
There can be a stigma that surrounds online dating, with many believing it is an unnatural way of finding a partner.
“I don’t get the taboo that comes from having the apps. I’ve spent a lot of time traveling alone overseas and I owe a lot of my favorite experiences to these platforms,” Godinez said.
When asked if it’s easier to date online with an active quarantine, Godinez said, “Yes and no. Although there’s definitely more interactions and more users online, you can only text for so long. With no end in sight, everything is up in the air.”
Godinez added, “I find it difficult sometimes to focus on or to even desire conversations with everything going on around me, despite the fact that I won’t risk any exposure to my grandmother by going on dates.”
When asked if he would pursue a relationship through an app, Godinez said, “I mean I’d be open to it if the sparks were there.”
Godinez doubled down on his statement, “I’m not in a rush to get a date or into a relationship, so to answer the question, no. Or at least, not at the moment.”
Other than dating apps being used for their intended purpose, Godinez stated, “I think it’s a great way to meet people. I’ve made lots of great friends from dates that came out of online dating apps.”
Nathan Godinez is just a single individual in an ever-growing population of young adults that use dating apps while quarantining during the COVID-19 pandemic.