For the past few years, online dating apps have become an increasingly popular way of meeting future partners in India. According to a Google report, online dating searches increased by 40% in 2019 – as compared to marriage-related queries. This shows that online dating trends are changing in a culturally diverse country. Even with the growth of matrimonial websites in India, the online dating industry is also going through steady growth.
The following are the factors that have resulted in the increasing popularity of online dating apps in India.
1. Shift in Attitudes
As a country, India has seen a rapid cultural evolution in the last decade. The widespread acceptance of technology, especially smartphones, has played a major role in this cultural evolution. Moreover, access to a smartphone has increased privacy for young Indians in their social circles. With password-protected phones and encrypted messaging, young people have more control over their life.
Due to this, it has become easier for them to experiment with online dating apps. Besides that, more dating apps are entering the Indian market than matrimonial apps. Therefore, it has become easier for people to meet like-minded people.
The shift in attitude is also due to the rise of education and financial independence among youths. More so for women than men. Increasing digital penetration is another factor that is contributing to the popularity of online dating apps. People are more interested in seeking to forge new relationships based on compatibility and shared interest.
2. Busy Life
The current generation of Indians is busier than ever before. Therefore, it has become much more difficult for people to have large social circles. This is one of the reasons why the youth in India are more reliant on dating apps. They are seeking the help of online dating to help them build relationships and create romance in their life.
Besides that, online dating also offers a sense of privacy. It allows people, especially women, in picking and choosing whom they want to meet in-person. Moreover, with life becoming busier – it is hard to meet new people. Therefore, youth in India is not interested in putting the efforts in having a night out and hoping to find someone good enough. Instead, there are looking for something which offers more certainty. They are looking at online dating.
It allows them to look at different profiles and send out a request to all potential matches with ease. This is why online dating is becoming the new normal in India.
3. Reduced Data Charges
For the last three years, mobile data charges have reduced significantly in the country. Because of this, an increasing number of people in India have started using internet services for the first time. And that too with their mobile phones. Access to mobile phones and reduced data charges is another reason behind the popularity of online dating apps in India.
Besides that, half of the population in India is under the age of 25. This is the most significant factor that is boosting the popularity of online dating in the country. The use of the internet is an integral part of any youth’s life. Therefore, it is inevitable that an increasing number of Indians would begin shopping for love online.
This has led to the rising popularity of online dating services in India, which is currently catering to the needs of hundreds of thousands.
4. Online Dating is Attractive
An increasing number of youth in India believe that online dating simplifies the process of interaction with others. Just like the Facebook Poke option, several dating apps offer modest cues to signify your state of mind. People can interact with each other without having to commit anything.
All of these factors are making online dating an attractive and fun option to find suitable future matches. Besides that, it helps people to communicate with each other beforehand. Thus, ensuring that meeting someone new is less intimidating and scary. This is especially important for women in India. For women, it takes away the fear of interacting with a stranger. Online dating apps have removed the risk factor, which was considered as the biggest obstacle for dating in India.
With several new online dating apps entering the market, the choice for the Indian youth is no less. Now more than ever before, reaching out to potential match is quite simple in the country. The simplicity of choice is another factor that is boosting the popularity of online dating apps in India.
Online Dating Business in India
The growth in the online dating business is driven by the female population of India. Youth in the country is more interested in having the relationship of their own choice. Unlike Indian culture – they do not want their parents to choose a partner for them. And online dating apps are providing that safe environment for the Indian youth. This the reason, why the online dating business has increased in the country. Experts even suggest that the industry could become $100 million in the next 5 years.
Final Thoughts
The online dating industry is a lucrative one. Half of the population is under the age of 25. Thus, the growth opportunities are massive in India. There are several dating apps operating in the country. Mingle2 is another exciting dating application. The online dating application has quality profiles to choose from. It increases your chances of finding the perfect partner.
