Online Dating in a Pandemic

Don't Quarantine Alone - Here are Three Tips for Online Dating in a Pandemic

Being single can be challenging anytime. But that challenge gets magnified in a pandemic.

We all know online dating is a great way to break the ice and meet people. But are there some online dating services better than others for "Pandemic Dating"?

And what do you do after that initial exchange? With social distancing everywhere, the bar scene being a thing of the past, and even a meal out being dicey, how do you “meet” people and maybe find that special person you wouldn't mind quarantining with?

So with all that said, here are three tips to help you navigate online dating in a pandemic:

Pandemic Online Dating Tip #1 - Pick a "Picky" Online Dating Service

In a pandemic, you don't want to waste time with bare-bones online dating services, where half the profiles are fake.

There are some online dating services that not only have solid questionnaires to help you find a match, they really screen and verify who you are.

One thing that really jumped out at me was the “photo verification” that online dating leader Zoosk uses. In short, their moderators will match submitted photos with a video selfie. It’s optional (you don’t have to upload a video selfie), but those that do get a verification badge on their profile.

I liked that, because in this day and age, I’m probably not meeting someone face to face until we’ve spent some time conversing. So “knowing” they are who they say they are (and look like they say they look) is big.

So pick a dating site that is a little picky, or rewards people for being honest.

Related: What's the best online dating site?

Pandemic Online Dating Tip #2 - Update Your Profile With More Detailed Information

The days of your “hot as heck” picture being enough are over. Most people aren’t interested in meeting in person until they do more online conversing, so having a solid profile is a great way to start.

Talk about your job, and your hobbies. Say what you want (or don’t want). Brag about your good qualities, but be “real” too. Fill in every piece of info your profile asks for.

I was on Zoosk the other day, and out of ten profiles I checked out, three were bare bones with a few “I’ll tell you later” answers. In the past, I may have messaged them based on looks alone. But you know what? I’m not feeling that anymore.

Pandemic Online Dating Tip #3 - Get Comfy with Video Dating

Video dating has a nice perk - it takes a lot of pressure off. Sex is off the table, as is “who pays?”

That said, you can do a lot on a video date. Just chat. Make dinner together (but separate). Even watch a movie and comment with each other as you watch.

But before you dive into your first Zoom or videoconferencing date, make sure you’re set up nicely with your camera and mic. Also, make sure your space is clean and presentable. You don’t want your dirty underwear (or worse) in the background. Do a trial run and test your camera, and make sure you’re sitting in good light, your glasses aren’t reflecting your screen, etc.

You’re almost certain to have a video date or two before you meet in person, so get familiar with it.