06The COVID-19 pandemic and several lockdown restrictions have had most of us stuck at home for over a year now. With social activities put on hold, people have turned to one activity to remedy the growing need for human interaction–online dating.
Over the past year, dating apps experienced an increase in users and time spent using these apps. Blued, the largest gay social network app in the world, gained 30% more active users per month by the end of April 2021.
But online dating is not always a one-size-fits-all fix for everyone. “The getting-to-know stage through messaging becomes longer, to the point that either one would eventually lose interest,” said Kyle*, a 26-year-old marketer.
But while there are those like Kyle who do not believe in dating without personally meeting each other first, there are others like Beck who seek genuine connections more than ever too.
After failing to rekindle a past relationship over the lockdown, Beck was motivated to look for a serious relationship. “I was so eager for a love life back then, I was willing to go back to a toxic ex!” he said. “Then I tried Blued and found the kind of connection that I wanted.”
As a full-blown social networking site, Blued connects over 60 million users worldwide. With features like “Meet” video speed dating and Voice Chat Rooms, users can interact with each other in fun and new ways.
“While the pandemic may have affected offline gatherings, we are bringing them online, uniting our community in a positive celebration of who they are. It is a space where you can make many meaningful connections and express yourself along the way.” said Liam Lu, Head of Blued International.
In the Philippines, Blued PH is celebrating gays of all shapes and stories through “Living My Gay Life.” The local campaign features notable personalities, such as viral content creators Sassa Gurl and Niel Esteban and filmmaker and HIV advocate Wanggo Gallaga, who flexed their proudest moments as members of the community.
“I am proud to be a gay DJ and sharing my music is one of my passions. [I’m] thankful for apps like Blued where you can reach out & share a space for the genuine version of yourself,” shared DJ and art director Mike Lavarez.
