OkCupid study decodes romance in the ‘new normal’

With over two decades of experience in the dating industry and over million downloads, OkCupid remains an Indian and international favourite for its focus on user safety and proven success in helping daters find love. With online conversations on the rise, safety and privacy of people has also taken precedence more than ever. Needless to say, user privacy is of key importance especially in matters of love. With almost two decades of being at the forefront of online dating globally, OkCupid has been enhancing user experience every day while keeping to the highest standards in user privacy. With an algorithm informed by users’ answers to almost 3000 questions, OkCupid is powered by an AI that introduces potential daters to compatible matches on the basis of shared values and belief systems.  No other app tries to learn about your personality and preferences as much as OkCupid does, and our sophisticated algorithm makes the most relevant matches for users based on deeper things  instead of just a photo and other parameters such as the location.

 Based on user responses to the questions on the app, OkCupid gathered data and insights about how Covid-19 has changed the way millennials date in India as trends observed over the last few months. What comes out surely from the insights is that 2020 has reignited romance in courtship with 85% of users on OkCupid now truly believing that it’s important to develop an emotional connection before a physical one, and adoption of  virtual dating has allowed these emotional connections to thrive.

 The reality took time to sink in!

• When the pandemic was still unfolding during the first quarter of 2020, 74% of single Indians on OkCupid said they would be willing to go out on dates and meet in-person. 
• However, as Covid-19 picked up and affected everything in our lives through rigorous lockdowns, 91% of users on OkCupid said they’ll still continue to date, albeit virtually. 

 Chat online vs take off-line 

• While in-person dating is overall preferred by millennials and they are eagerly waiting for things to get better so they can safely meet, date and socialize, they don’t want everything to change back immediately.  Women in particular seem to be in no hurry to go offline! 
• 38% women confessed that they would like to take things slower and have more virtual interactions even in a post pandemic world, vs 25% men. 

Yay to virtual dating! 

• 38% Indian millennials said that they have been able to get to know their matches better through virtual dating. 32% feel there is less pressure and 30% are just glad they can wear pajamas to a date! 

 Ideal virtual date? A romantic meal and drinks - connected by technology - of course!

• 41% India millennials chose dinner and drinks  and 22% said they preferred to watch a movie or TV show together.  The remaining 19% chose to video chat or share an activity, like an online game. 

 Lockdown allowed millennials to contemplate on life and other things 

• 57% users on OkCupid said that since the pandemic they have realized the need to shake things up a bit regularly to keep life and love interesting. Whether it's feeling more motivated about future adventures (55% users) or changing their career paths (41% men and 51% women).
• While it comes to making long-term commitments basis connections formed during the lockdown, 60% of women are making long-term plans even though it is not easy to commit given the level of uncertainty at present. 
• Lastly, until there is a reliable cure  or vaccine, the majority of men and women (48% and 58%, respectively) are keeping safety in the forefront and not considering travelling at all. 30% men and 17% women might look at going somewhere before the end of the year and the rest can’t wait to hop on a plane right now!

 Melissa Hobely, CMO, OkCupid goes on to say, “By changing the pace and bringing back the charm of slow dating, millenials are discovering love through long, meaningful conversations and (digitally) shared experiences. Dating has become more creative and  innovative as millennials are looking for activities they can share, from lingering dinners over drinks or binge-watching shows and films, all virtually of course. This has led to deeper conversations and stronger bonds. Users on OkCupid are taking more time reading profiles, asking and answering the right questions, matching more and getting to know each other by having deeper conversations leading to emotional connections with people on their wavelength. The future of dating is a reassertion of shared interest, values and quirks and a rejection of ‘compromise’ to find the type of love they have dreamt of. ”

 Dr. Rachna Khanna Singh, relationship expert says, “While the pandemic has changed the way we live, matters of the heart still find a way. What makes it exciting is that it has given people time to kick-back, relax and connect in a more meaningful way. They are taking this time to make a conscious decision to keep the conversation rolling only with someone whom they are actually interested in to take it forward. 

Hence, more and more Indian millennials are taking this time when it is not advisable to meet people in person to  actually figure out their kind and look for a mental and emotional connection where there is no space for compromise. I truly believe that there’s no time like the present to dial it back and reignite slow dating.” 

So, take a deep breath, match with the person you have been eyeing and get the conversation ball rolling!