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This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Hofstra chapter.

Because of the pandemic, Zoom dating has become increasingly popular. However, Zoom dating has not matched up to our expectations. Dating before the pandemic used to consist of going out, physically being with each other, spending time around other people and having alone time in a place that was able to be explored. It is quite a big change for couples who were used to dating before the pandemic. Now, couples must figure out how to become a computer whiz and figure out why their GroupWatch is not syncing up. 

From an outsider’s point of view, it may seem delightful. The thought of being able to spend one-on-one time together alone with no interruptions sounds great. Sadly, it might take a toll on existing relationships. Physical touch and quality time with a significant other may be difficult to achieve. Wanting to see that specific person and not being able to is hard. Trying to plan a meet-up and having restrictions can ruin the mood. Having to be separated from someone we are dating is difficult for our mental health.

woman on bed with coffee
Photo by Kinga Cichewicz from Unsplash

Zoom dating is reasonably satisfactory. Meeting a person only through Zoom fosters better conversation and allows you to understand the person’s personality better. The chemistry between people can build up slowly over time. This is because it is difficult to gauge how the other person really is. We want to see what their features are not through a screen. Once there is a common ground of communication, now there is room for Zoom dates. 

Having Zoom dates can be fun yet tricky at the same time. The most popular online date idea is watching movies together. Sites such as Netflix Party, GroupWatch or Zoom allow two people to watch various movies or tv shows together. Cooking with each other is also an enjoyable experience. Through Zoom, people can cook and then eat together. It is bittersweet because the people are not in the same location, but it is the time spent cooking and eating together that counts. Other popular ideas include being able to play online games, like Jackbox, with friends. Some other fun game options include Among Us and Minecraft. Another creative idea is to create a playlist that the person can listen to when they need a pick-me-up. 

Screen with Netflix Logo, plate of cookies, coco, and shark Socks
Photo by Ellie Burgin from Pexels

Zoom is not the ideal place to build a relationship. Zoom dating can take a hard toll on the relationship because calling at a specific time may not work out. There may be nothing exciting to talk about with them. It can interfere with the person’s limited social life they want to have. During these times, we need to understand that the majority of the relationship will be online, and only getting to see that person a little bit makes us value time even more. 

Zoom dating, as stated before, is satisfactory but only temporary. There are things couples can do to fill the time, yet our lives have been used to going out to explore places and building physical bonds. With all the restrictions and the world’s climate at this very moment, it is good that we can have something to come back to if we need that person. 

Original Illustration Designed in Canva for Her Campus Media

Ariyanna is a Junior at Hofstra majoring in global studies with a minor in general business. She enjoys being a positive influence and pushing herself closer to her goals. In her free time she's either in front of the camera modeling, online shopping or listening to music. Her inspiration is a quote from Disney which is "Adventure is out there!"