By Melissa Hobley, Global Chief Marketing Officer and dating expert at OkCupid
As social distancing and quarantine measures were put into place in Australia — and around the world — the dating scene made a quick and unsurprising shift to the virtual world. So OkCupid closely examined the new dating habits of Aussie singles and coined a dating term to accurately reflect the current state of dating. Welcome to the new world of iso-mating.
Simply put, the definition of iso-mating is ‘the act of virtually finding a connection and true companion (friend, partner, lover) while in isolation during social distancing.’
As the nation looks to slowly ease COVID-19 related restrictions and Aussies begin emerging from isolation, many are still preferring to communicate through dating apps. In fact, a whopping 92 percent of OkCupid daters in Australia said they’re still dating digitally or virtually, with 52 percent messaging potential matches, 25 percent choosing to video chat, and 15 percent opting to talk on the phone.
Now more than ever, people are seeking real and authentic human connections—and because of this, ‘iso-mating’ is the 2020 dating trend that has come about from our new, virtual and unprecedented reality.
What exactly is iso-mating?
Not only was there a 20 percent decrease in people mentioning they are looking for “hookups” on OkCupid at the beginning of the pandemic, but there was also an immediate 10 percent increase in people looking for “new friends”. When it comes to finding a romantic relationship, 82 percent of Aussie daters agree it’s important to have an emotional connection before a physical one.
The culture of having a “mate” is embedded deep within the Australian vernacular, and its meaning has now extended to the local dating landscape. Seeking meaningful connections like these is a clear indication that Aussie singles are actively searching for a companion and confidant during these times of isolation, and that’s not going to change any time soon.
Tips on finding your iso-mate
Social distancing makes meeting in-person a bit tricky, and even as restrictions ease, some people might understandably still feel anxious about meeting up with others. Dating apps like OkCupid can help to build trust and a meaningful connection with a partner by filtering out the BS, having fun and asking the questions that matter without meeting IRL until you feel completely comfortable to do so.
So where to go from here? Well, if you’re one of the many Aussie singles out there looking for your iso-mate, then here are my top tips to finding that special someone.
- Don’t be afraid to spark up a conversation about…anything! Covid is a universal icebreaker right now. The best way to find your iso-mate is to get to the core of who they are, what they like, and their interests and dislikes. An emotional connection can indeed grow from a good conversation, so make it a habit to keep the conversation fluid and meaningful.
- Extend the lines of communication: If you’re feeling fatigued by Zoom or FaceTime, then change it up by texting, having phone calls, or even communicating through memes. If you’re both into the written word, ignite your inner wordsmith and send each other love letters.
- Check their profiles, and update yours regularly: Someone’s dating profile is a great place to search for commonalities and conversation starters. Make sure you’re also updating your profile regularly to reflect your true current state. Just learnt a new skill in iso? Pop it on your profile! Discovered a newfound passion for the environment? Add a badge! Just gave yourself a haircut (and like it)? Upload a new pic! This will help others discover new and interesting things about you, and vice versa.
- Get to know each other through activities: While a good conversation can do wonders for your relationship, sometimes the best way to get to know someone, or find your iso-mate, is by doing an activity together. From virtual movie marathons, to jigsaw puzzles, charades, cooking classes and so much more—your iso-dates can be anything, and there’s probably already an app for it.
- Don’t be disheartened if it doesn’t work out: Sometimes the best things are found when you’re not looking for them. If you’ve found someone fantastic, but they’re maybe not ‘the one’ or there isn’t a romantic connection, then that’s totally ok too. You’ve still found an iso-mate which could potentially flourish into a life-long friendship.
The dating world has without a doubt transformed, but that doesn’t mean your chances at finding love has vanished. You’re only ever moments away from finding your iso-mate, and somewhere out there, your iso-mate is waiting for you to strike up a conversation—and remember, distance can indeed make the heart grow fonder!