For many college students, life has become fairly mundane. What was once a time filled with nonstop human interaction—hurrying to classes, studying in coffee shops, or enjoying a party with friends—is now merely a life on the computer. It should be no surprise that many students have reported feeling lonely since the start of the pandemic. 

According to Jeremy Nobel, a lecturer at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health (HSPH), 18-to 24-year-olds are the loneliest group in the country. What are supposed to be “the best years” in a person’s life have become the most isolated. 

To assuage these feelings, college students have turned to online dating during the pandemic. In a survey taken of DU students, 70% said they have considered joining a dating app since the start of the pandemic. 

Kiana Marsan, a senior and former user of Bumble, said she would have not joined the dating app if it were not for the pandemic. “Quarantine limited the options available to meet new people, isolating us within our COVID bubbles,” said Marsan.  

Understandably, online dating can be intimidating because it is a relatively new concept and they come with the assumption that these apps are only used for hookups. However, according to a recent study, 91% of college students surveyed said they were using dating apps for more than just flings.

A recent survey, conducted by students at an elite New England university, found that students use dating apps simply for entertainment purposes and for boosting self-confidence. While only a few people responded that these apps could be used to find a serious relationship. 

Many students who participated in this survey, responded in favor of using dating apps. 

One woman attending DU, who identified herself as an active user of dating apps, said, “It’s becoming more of a norm, less of something that you have to hide/feel embarrassed about.” 

Of the 17 participants, only two provided reasons not to use dating apps. These concerns were focused on unnatural connections and the belief that these apps are based solely on physical encounters. 

Marsan explains that there are differences between certain dating apps. Bumble’s platform is based on promoting kindness, respect and empowerment. Marsan’s favorite aspect of the app is that women make the first move by messaging their matches, and this makes women feel safer and more comfortable. Bumble can also be used to develop friendships (in Bumble BFF mode) and can be used to create business connections to help your job market (in Bumble Bizz mode). 

As another popular alternative, Hinge markets itself as the “dating app designed to be deleted.” It allows for more creativity with profiles, as parts of someone’s bio can be individually liked and commented on.

“Both of these apps have less of a focus on hookup culture than apps like Tinder, which I think makes them attractive to people who are looking for something more serious,” Marsan said.  

It is difficult to say what lies ahead for the future of dating because our lives have changed drastically in one year. Wearing masks and getting tested has become a normal occurrence. Bringing these safety precautions and honesty into future relationships is a wise start in creating a new standard of dating.

“The pandemic has driven more people to be upfront with what they want, bringing questions about testing, safety and access to the forefront,” Marsan explained.

If you are looking for COVID-friendly date ideas around Denver, here are a few suggestions. Bar Dough, an Italian restaurant near Lower Downtown, allows you to reserve a private dining greenhouse. This restaurant takes COVID precautions seriously by disinfecting tables after each use, as well as mandating masks and temperature checks from both patrons and staff.

A great bar where you can sit outside is Number Thirty Eight. This giant patio is broadcasting the Masters on Saturday, which is free to attend but get a reservation. Finally, hiking Red Rocks is a great option to get outdoors and enjoy the springtime air. Take your pick of the five trails, ranging from easy to moderate. 

Since the pandemic hit, college students have had to rethink their daily lives. Students have adapted to safer interactions with one another. While this is good for our physical health and limiting the number of COVID cases, it has caused an increase of lonely college students. College students have shifted to a new world of technology in order to cure the absence of in-person interactions. Dating apps are used for multiple reasons: boosting self-confidence, searching for entertainment or finding a date. However, it seems that rarely are they used to find a serious relationship. Instead, they help make connections during a strange and lonely time.