2RedBeans
Dating Data Revealed: Has the Pandemic Affected Your Single Status?
Masks ruined my youth—what a waste of such good looks. Though this online quip may sound lighthearted, we all know how that thin layer of fabric can create an immense distance between people.
How has the trajectory of dating and relationships shifted for those who survived the panic and anxiety? Has love become a casualty of the pandemic?
To examine the pandemic’s impact on the dating market, 2RedBeans analyzed firsthand data from online dating platforms and real-life matchmaking cases from offline one-on-one services, spanning from the start of the pandemic in 2020 to the present. Focusing primarily on overseas single Chinese communities, this report offers an exclusive look at how the pandemic has reshaped the dating industry and its future trends.
▍How has the pandemic affected dating?
● New user growth showed an initial decline followed by a rebound
In late February 2020, as the pandemic surged, 2RedBeans saw a drop in user registrations, with sluggish growth persisting for four months. By July, however, the trend reversed, with a noticeable spike in new sign-ups. By August, registrations had returned to pre-pandemic levels. Since then, the platform has experienced steady, consistent growth in new users.
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● Significant Decline in VIP Membership Purchases
Starting from March 2020, there was a noticeable drop in the trend of users purchasing VIP memberships, with recovery only beginning in May 2021. We believe that VIP purchases can, to some extent, reflect users confidence in offline dating prospects.
● Existing Users Show Unusual Activity
While new user growth remained sluggish, existing users on 2RedBeans became exceptionally active. The frequency of logins and message volume surged, surpassing pre-pandemic levels. As the pandemic prolonged, activity gradually returned to normal. With more users adapting to online dating, those who embraced this method became increasingly reliant on it.
● Gender Disparity in Account Pauses for Found a Match
During the pandemic, the number of male users pausing their accounts with the reason I have found a match showed an upward trend, with an average monthly increase of over 20, while female users exhibited a decline. Data analysis suggests that, compared to women, men may have had a stronger desire or lower barriers to entering exclusive relationships during this period.
● Online Users Prefer Local Matches, While Offline Service Users Show Greater Openness to Long-Distance Connections
Under the influence of the pandemic, online users on the TwoRedBeans dating platform have become stricter about geographical preferences, leaning toward nearby matches. However, further interviews with TwoRedBeans matchmaking consultants revealed that offline users utilizing in-depth matching services displayed the opposite trend, with many willing to expand their search radius.
The pandemic has heightened peoples desire for close connections while amplifying their aversion to the uncertainties of long-distance relationships. In reality, what people resist is often not distance itself, but the compounded risks arising from weaker judgment in assessing potential partners and forming intimate bonds remotely. With offline services, matchmaking consultants assist users in pre-screening information and conducting compatibility tests, significantly improving success rates. Guided by professional advice, the uncertainties tied to long-distance dating diminish considerably.
Overall, although the pandemic has objectively created more obstacles in dating, the demand for connections has only grown. More users are now turning to online platforms to meet new people.
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In fact, its not just this pandemic—major disaster events throughout history have consistently influenced dating trends in similar ways. The 9/11 attacks triggered a baby boom in the U.S. and increased marriage rates among older singles. After the 2011 earthquake in Japan, there was a surge in weddings, with significant spikes in sales of engagement rings and wedding dresses.
Humans are social creatures. The fear, loneliness, and halt in social activities brought by disasters naturally shift our focus toward emotional needs. Online dating undoubtedly provides a pathway for connection and companionship.
▍Is the pandemic really a bad time to find love?
Interestingly, its not just 2RedBeans online users who have become more active. During the pandemic, inquiries for our offline matchmaking services also saw a noticeable increase, and weve witnessed many success stories of couples who met and fell in love amid the crisis.
Successful user Ann once shared in our interview: In the past, two people could casually meet up for tea, a meal, or a movie, but it was easy to get distracted by superficial things. Online communication, however, allows for genuine mental connection—people are more willing to delve deeply into a topic.
Ann and Jude, the guy she recommended to us, hit it off instantly during their first video call. They talked for a full five hours, until their phones ran out of battery.
While the pandemic has undoubtedly brought many challenges to dating, it has also created opportunities. Fast-paced romance has become the norm, where efficiency, first impressions, and gut feelings dictate relationships. Meeting offline after a few brief online chats often yields very limited information. True compatibility requires deep communication. The pandemic slowed down the usual chat-then-meet rhythm, extending the process of getting to know each other. Spending more time focused on one person can actually lead to higher-quality relationships.
To address the challenges posed by the pandemic in finding love, 2RedBeans has been continuously refining its products and services. For instance, we’ve organized various online events such as Lunch Break Talks, virtual Speed Dating, and live streams hosted by matchmaking consultants. A brand-new Love Bootcamp is also currently in the works. Additionally, for users of our offline services, 2RedBeans matchmaking consultants provide advice on safe dating, including video-based options, offering ways and methods to connect and find love during the pandemic.
Serena, a consultant at 2RedBeans, notes that one of the most frequently asked questions remains: Is it better to wait until after the pandemic to use these services? Many users adopt this mindset, hesitating to take action while feeling increasingly anxious about their single status.
The statistics above tell us: The vast majority of people haven’t stopped their pursuit of love because of the pandemic. Instead, they’ve actively explored new ways to meet people, experimented with diverse dating formats, and discovered more possibilities for romance—and many have succeeded!
The pandemic may have kept people apart, but it couldn’t stop love. If youre looking for a relationship, there’s no better time to start than now. Whenever you face challenges, book a consultation with TwoRedBeans advisors for guidance.
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Original article in simplified Chinese. Translated by AI.