As they enter, Huang, a year-old medical student, poses rapid-fire questions about their lives, dating a marine quotes, and desires. The interactive exchange is part of a new phenomenon sweeping across Chinese social media: blind dating via livestreams, where hopeful singles look to find a connection — all in front of an online show of thousands.
However, a variety of similar livestreams have emerged across Chinese social media, catering to both serious matchmaking endeavors and casual socializing.
China to the domestic outlet Legal Daily, 66 blind date livestreams were launched during the Lunar New Year holiday in February china eight provinces, each attracting an average of over 15 million viewers.
On Douyin, the Chinese counterpart to TikTok, professional matchmakers, known in Chinese as online dating belgiumhave launched livestream channels, broadening the appeal to include viewers of various ages, including middle-aged individuals.
For instance, a blind date livestream targeting postgraduates launched in mid-February already averages 80, views per show. And the market for online marriage and dating services has now reached 7.
Introduction and History
According to the National Bureau of Statistics, inthe percentage of unmarried individuals aged was As more young Chinese turn to social media to forge new connections, the transition has also raised concerns about the authenticity of personal information shared online, potentially leading to fraud risks.
Domestic media have matchmaking multiple instances where matchmakers collaborated matchmaking participants to deceive others by manipulating personal details, causing financial losses in the tens of thousands of yuan.
Huang acknowledges the limitations in verifying guest information on her livestreams, and says she often reminds her audience to remain cautious about personal and financial data. We just provide the opportunity for people to meet. In late January, fresh from her preliminary graduate entrance exam, Huang initially started the livestream to share insights on exam preparation and work experiences.
But she soon noticed that discussions often veered into personal relationships, which helped attract a larger audience, increase viewer engagement, and boost her visibility online.
Viewers begin by applying for a spot in the livestream. Audience matchmaking can connect with guests they find show by following their social media profiles and sending private messages. At the time, however, Liu was reluctant to start a serious relationship online, especially amid the uncertainties of hunting for a china. I spoke about working for two years after graduation and traveling show over 40 countries, which may have helped spark interest.
Two weeks later, they decided to be together, despite living in different cities — a factor each once considered as a deal-breaker. They are now looking into opportunities to work in the same city and have plans to meet in person for the first time in May. But when I saw other young people meeting new people in a more relaxed way, I became more open to it.
On one occasion, an individual dealing with depression joined the livestream to practice socializing, found encouragement, and became a loyal viewer.
Another involved a Chinese expatriate discussing his loneliness.
Header image: A matchmaker introducing a single man during a livestream in Taiyuan, Shanxi province, Nov. Subscribe to our newsletter. By signing up, you agree to our Terms Of Use. Offering serious matchmaking and casual socializing, such channels are attracting thousands of hopeful singles each day. By He Qitong.