Dating apps are seeing an influx of new US users as many continue to self-isolate due to the coronavirus pandemic.
According to a report from research company eMarketer, the expected number of American users of dating apps is predicted to reach over 26 million this year, a more than 18% increase from 2019.
The majority of popular dating apps have adjusted their messaging to the current climate, including encouraging users to meet virtually through in-app features, and host virtual dates to avoid face-to-face contact.
In an April 2020 survey from The Harris Poll, US adults said they were more frequently using social media (50%), virtual meeting sites (33%) and dating apps (11%).
Morning Consult polling from the same month revealed that 6% of US adults were spending more time on dating apps, while 43% reported no change in usage.
Vincent Yip, eMarketer forecasting analyst at Insider Intelligence, explained: “People still want to find love and connection during these trying times. Since people can’t meet in person, many have adapted to finding someone online.
“People crave human connection, and the pandemic has limited that needed interaction. As we head into 2021, and with the country returning to some normalcy, dating habits should also revert back to pre-COVID times.”
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