Love in the time of swipes: A glimpse into Bengaluru's online dating scene ahead of Valentine's Day

Sowmya Raju

Bengaluru: Valentine's Day, a celebration of love, has witnessed a significant transformation in recent years with the advent of online dating apps.

In Bengaluru, a bustling city known for its vibrant youth culture, the use of dating apps among individuals aged 18-35 has become a noteworthy trend.

The data paints a picture of the evolving dating landscape in India. In 2023, a staggering 82.4 million Indians engaged with dating apps, marking a fourfold increase from just five years ago.

Specific platforms like Tinder, Bumble, and Hinge saw a notable 17% surge in usage in 2022 compared to 2019.

Interestingly, 51% of Tinder users in India fell within the 25-34 age bracket in 2021, highlighting a demographic for online dating.

To delve into the dynamics of Bengaluru's online dating scene, News Trail engaged in conversations with several young individuals in the city.

A predominant theme emerged as most of the respondents expressed a heightened likelihood of utilising dating apps in the days leading up to Valentine's Day compared to other times.

A 23-year-old singleton from Bengaluru shared a poignant perspective, stating, “Having relocated from a village, forging connections as an adult in this city isn't an easy task. There are moments when I feel a profound sense of solitude, particularly during occasions like these. Hence, I turn to dating apps to meet new people and partake in meaningful experiences, especially around Valentine's Day.”

While most people frown upon online dating, one youngster said, “I feel like online dating is much better than offline dating because here we have an opportunity to get to know the person before meeting them which saves a lot of time.”

In the ever-evolving landscape of online dating, youngsters in Bengaluru are turning to dating apps for a myriad of reasons, ranging from the pursuit of casual connections to the quest for meaningful relationships.

According to the yearly report by smallcase.com Digital, platforms have become versatile spaces where users can navigate the spectrum of relationships, catering to a diverse array of preferences and desires.

For some, these apps serve as a convenient avenue for casual encounters, offering a no-strings attatched approach to socialising and intimacy.

Simultaneously, others view dating apps as potent tools for forging deeper, more meaningful connections.

The platforms enable users to align with like-minded individuals, fostering relationships grounded in shared values, interests, and long-term compatibility.