Steve Chen, 25, had never experienced love until spring 2024, when he met his first girlfriend in a way he never expected: through a live-streamed video chat. Tired of traditional dating methods and apps, Chen turned to a new and increasingly popular trend among young, single people in mainland China.
In this trend, singles enter video chat rooms hosted by a “cyber matchmaker,” where thousands of viewers can watch and comment on their interactions in real-time. These platforms offer a new and exciting way to connect with potential partners, moving away from the conventional dating apps and in-person meetings that many have found disappointing or ineffective.
This shift comes at a time when the number of single individuals in China has reached an all-time high. As of 2023, there were 240 million single people aged 15 and above, according to official data. Faced with the challenges of a declining birth rate and an aging population, the Chinese government has taken steps to encourage people to marry and have more children. In response, the State Council introduced measures in 2024 to create platforms that would increase dating opportunities for youth, further fueling the growth of cyber matchmaking.
For many, the appeal of cyber matchmaking lies in its novelty and the sense of community it fosters. Participants are not only connecting with potential partners but are also engaging in a shared experience with a live audience, adding an element of excitement and social validation. This dynamic contrasts with the often solitary and filtered nature of traditional dating apps, where users interact mostly in private, choosing to hide behind profiles and photos.
As China continues to address its demographic concerns, platforms like these are becoming a unique solution for bringing people together. For those like Steve Chen, who never imagined finding love in such an unconventional way, the cyber matchmaking trend represents a new path to meaningful connections in an ever-evolving digital world.
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