How to make the most of remote romance and digital dating

People can’t always meet face to face due to physical separation and social distancing requirements, but that doesn’t mean it’s the end of dating. Romantics around the world are turning to technology to get their daily dose of dating, relying on a variety of innovative apps to meet their future partner or spend time with their current one.

According to international dating app Hinge, a recent survey found that over 70% of their users are keen to switch IRL meet ups to remote romance. Daily messaging on Tinder has recently risen by up to 15% in some markets, with Bumble seeing its video chat usage skyrocket by 93% and dating app Coffee Meets Bagel has shifted into video meetups.  The world may have stopped dates, but people haven’t stopped dating. Here’s some tips on how you can get your daily dose of dating with some remote romance remedies best enjoyed from the comfort of home.

MORE BANTERING, LESS BUFFERING

A recent survey conducted by Optus 5G found that nearly half of respondents claim slow streaming and glitchy video calls the most annoying thing when dealing with patchy internet, with 51% claiming they are keen to enjoy faster, more reliable internet. While you can partake in a traditional face-to-face chat using Microsoft Teams, Zoom, FaceTime or even Instagram, it pays to keep your dates more about brilliant banter and less about glitchy buffering. Those in an Optus 5G serviced area should consider switching your home internet connection to make the most of the unlimited data and bigger bandwidth of 5G for only $70 per month. With all the data and bandwidth, you can be sure your date will go ahead with the minimal number of awkward pauses and sudden screen freezes. See if you’re in an Optus 5G area here, and check out the current 5G benefits.

A TRADITIONAL DATE DONE DIGITALLY WITH NETFLIX PARTY

There is no better first date than dinner and a movie, and there is no reason you can’t indulge in traditional first date online. All you need to do is to download and stream your favourite movie after enjoying a takeaway meal from your favourite local restaurant. Make use of your reliable 5G Home internet connection with Netflix Party, which allows you to stream a movie at the same time as your date whilst also being on video camera. It’s like being at the movies from the comfort of your very own couch.

MULTI-PERSON MIXER

If one-on-one online dating isn’t your thing, rest assured – you can organise a social mixer for all your single friends. Maybe you’re missing your favourite jazz club? Well, you can all enjoy a 360 experience at a jazz club as you watch some talented musos provide the background to your group night in with innovative technologies like Immersive Ignition. Add in a group video chat with House Party, and you have yourself a night of jazz with your friends.  

AFTER WORK ACTIVITIES

Don’t be all talk and no action by making your date as action-packed as possible by arranging a fun activity to enjoy together. Are you both fitness freaks? Partake in some conversational cardio, easy breezy yoga or hardcore fitness with Les Mills On Demand. Are you both keen cooks? Experiment in a cook-off by utilising Instagram and YouTube lessons from world-famous chefs before enjoying the fruits of your labour together, remotely. Do you both have musical inclinations? Partake in a Zoom karaoke session using Yokee app, which has over 1000 songs to choose from. Whoever said a digital date can’t be exciting?

Optus 5G available in selected areas. Not in NT or TAS.