The Rise of Online Dating in China and its effect on Chinese Millenials

Online dating in China is something that has been flourishing over the past few decades, with more and more aspects of previously insular Chinese society being impacted by looking to the West for inspiration. Politically, this vast country still languishes under a single-party government, but younger Chinese singles are just as susceptible to the allure of convenient Internet dating as people anywhere else. Let’s dig deeper and examine how digital dating has evolved in China, particularly where Millennials are concerned.

A society in flux

China has always been a country of contrasts. In this nation of one billion inhabitants, there are vast metropolises, and there are also rural areas that have been less impacted by technology. With more and more people relocating to cities, whole communities are developing, with individuals getting used to living in apartments. Concerns from recent history, such as the state one-child policy, are being superseded by a degree of political reform, the influence of the global free market, and newfound prosperity. Today’s Chinese are Internet-savvy, clued up on instant messaging via their smartphones, and ready to join the digital dating world.

Dating on an equal footing

Has Chinese society developed a more progressive attitude towards dating culture? The answer to that has to be an overwhelming affirmative. To assess how forward-thinking digital matchmaking has become, you only have to refer to the results from search engines focusing on Chinese dating. Singles across the globe can now check out reviews of 100% free Chinese dating sites. Locals will gain an overview of the most recommended outlets, while people outwith China can socialize with singles who are keen to embark on cross-cultural partnerships. To get a better idea of the extent to which matters have evolved, you only have to look back a few years.

Traditional Chinese dating

When you go outside cities like Beijing or Shanghai and into more remote areas, many relationships will still be following traditional lines. Throughout Chinese history, families have accepted that the older generation become actively involved in vetting potential partners. However, the easy availability of dating sites geared towards introducing partners based on compatibility means these archaic values are gradually being eclipsed.

Between the 1950s and the 1980s, China introduced various acts of legislation intended to improve the relationship between those parties involved in marriage. The initial changes were intended to introduce gender equality. The 1950s also saw an especially radical alteration to what had gone before: arranged marriages could be curtailed by divorce, while both individuals were required to give equal consent before a license will be granted.

The advent of modern Chinese dating

Three decades on, rules were introduced to create greater freedoms for China’s married couples. By the late 70s, China was becoming far more exposed to international influences, resulting in many more singles being motivated by what was happening in the West. Singles began to seek potential partners in social settings, or via introductions by friends from their generation.

21st-century dating tools

Fast-forward to the modern era, and dating outlets being enthusiastically embraced by Millennials across the world are being mirrored with Chinese youth. Innovative dating platforms are becoming widely available for Chinese singles. Apps and websites are even inviting newcomers to complete questionnaires with somewhat materialistic questions, such as someone’s professional standing, or the type of car they own. This has allowed families to look more favorably on what was perhaps previously considered a ‘less Chinese’ way for singles to connect.

The future of online dating in China

Millennials and Gen Z singles in China are flocking to dating services in ever-increasing numbers. Large tech companies have been quick to realise the potentially lucrative market in this vast country, appreciating that there are 400 million Millennials here, a figure five times higher than the equivalent in the USA. The number of singles in this country is also rising exponentially; Chinese people living on their own is forecast to reach 92 million by 2022. Policymakers in the capital are exploring many ways to stem free-falling marriage and birth rates in the People’s Republic. This is going to offer a golden opportunity for entrepreneurs thinking of adding Chinese singles to their portfolios.