Do you still believe in love? Whether you are a sceptic or a hopeless romantic, the latest study by Google's Year in Review has revealed that 'soulmate' was searched more than ever across the globe.
Call it pandemic blues or increased use of online dating sites, one thing remains true - we are looking for love in all the digital spaces.
Looking for the one online
Before, finding 'the one' usually meant being introduced to someone by a friend, colleague or family member. With the increased use of smartphones and the development of apps for almost everything, more people are leaning towards swiping their way to find a date. Couples are more likely to meet a romantic partner online than through mutual connections.
With February being the month of love, more people may turn to online dating sites to help them find a date for various reasons. When it comes to dating online in South Africa, studies have shown that the average age is 33.8 years old, who work full time (63%) and are more likely to be male than female. Online dating may have opened a door for people to connect and find a 'soulmate', but it is also common for people to lie when they date online.
Take online dating with a pinch of salt
Falling in love could be considered as one of the bravest things anyone could do. However, when it comes to searching for love digitally, it is important to proceed with caution and not believe everything a person might say about themselves. Research by the Kaspersky Lab found that people tend to lie on dating apps to find a date. When it comes to some of the reasons why people lie, they found that people lied:
False information could end up leading you away from your goals of finding the one. Furthermore, people are increasingly being put off by online dating due to the threat it causes to their online security. Proceeding with caution and being aware of the terms and conditions that come with liking or swiping right is vital.
Men are likely to believe in a soulmate than women
The idea of what a soulmate is or whether they do exist is contested by many people. When it comes down to it, a survey revealed that men (74%) are more likely to believe in the idea of a soulmate compared to females (71%). Choosing to celebrate love in all its forms and ways is something that has seen an increase overtime.
The pandemic has also revealed that having a relationship with others doesn't have to be the only form of love you can find, with more people searching for ways to fall in love with themselves through self-care tips and affirmations. Whether your quest for love is starting or you are still recovering from your last one, you may be surprised at how looking for love in digital spaces could work out for you.
