In March 2020, while we were spending time between video calls sitting on the couch, the fear of loneliness or, perhaps, boredom overwhelmed many people. Although we had many books to read and numerous movies and series to watch. There came a point when all that seemed insufficient. We began to seek other types of emotions we couldn’t find in our homes.
Slow dating statistics
According to a study by the European University, during the lockdown, the number of users of dating apps increased by 13.5%. Since then, finding a partner has changed radically. The pandemic halted fleeting romances and one-night stands, while singles began to adopt a new trend: slow dating. This approach promotes slower and more meaningful dates, where common interests and personality are more important than physical appearance.
Despite the desire to enjoy nightlife after a year and a half of restrictions, 53% of young people confess they are afraid of dating in restaurants, bars, and clubs. According to a study conducted by the app AdoptaUnTío.es, 68% already assume the way of finding a partner will not be the same as before. The fear of contagion and uncertainty about the hygiene habits of new relationships are the main reasons behind these figures.
The concern is so great that 74% of respondents consider it important that their dates comply with safety and hygiene measures, while 79% affirm that dating apps will continue to be a key tool for finding a partner in the post-pandemic scenario.
In the new social scenario, “use and discard” relationships have lost their appeal, while slow dating has gained relevance. People on these types of dates prioritise shared interests and personality over physical appearance, allowing the relationship to develop slowly. This prolonged flirtation, which generates a growing interest in getting to know the other person, has replaced the traditional “hit it and quit it” or fast dating, common at parties and clubs for quick, no-commitment encounters. Nowadays, only 22% of young Nigerians still practice this.
The reason behind this change, according to a study by the European University, could lie in a new perception of sexuality. “It is essential to promote critical, scientific, and comprehensive sex-affective education that avoids taboos and moral or puritanical conceptions of sexuality. It is also crucial that this education understands the profound impact that technology has had on the expression of our identity and our affections,” explains Jorge Ramiro Pérez, the researcher in charge of the study.
This article was syndicated from Marie Claire Argentina
Translated and adapted by Praise Vandeh, Marie Claire Nigeria Content Writer
