While life went dead silent outside during the lockdown, our souls started soaring out for life, connection, and love. It was us and our dead screens for God-knows-how-many days. Coping mechanisms with that extraordinary life varied from baking, yoga, online courses, and clubhouse nights to hushed grief with sad music and everything in between.

One thing we know the pandemic has reshaped for sure; is online dating. With all social gatherings being off-tables, we all came to appreciate human connections more than ever. And dating apps, which may not be as celebrated in our society as the Westerns, have found that their users’ number skyrocketed when COVID-19 hit the world.

While taboos and jeopardy still follow the concept of online dating in our middle eastern community, it did not take long for young Gen-Xers to sneak around the conservative society’s back, running to Tinder, Bumble, and Yubo.

We have asked some of Layla’s friends about the most memorable people they met during their virtual dating experience, and we received some heart-warming answers and other heart-breaking ones.

“I kept swiping people on Tinder for three days before I got matched with a nice girl. I finally had hoped to talk with someone after countless days in lockdown. We talked for two days nonstop, and we had so much in common. Our convos were fun. And with no prior notice, she ghosted me. I kept wondering what I said wrong and read and reread our chat many times. It may not be a huge thing, but I still remember this before every time I swipe right” - Daniel, 25

On a more fun note, another respondent told us:

“When I first opened dating apps, it was only for chatting only. I liked talking to someone with no previous impressions about me. I just wanted a clean slate to entertain me for a few minutes before I sleep. When the lockdown stopped our lives, that was when I started opening Tinder, and Yubo more often, and I was always clear about wanting to chat only to scare my loneliness away. Some people understood and became great good friends of mine, others could not, and now I cannot hear them from my unmatched list.” - Lama, 23

The lockdown was brutal to everyone, and that’s why a friend said:

“I gotta admit, I felt more urged to use dating apps after the COVID-19 locked me alone at home away from everyone. And unlike everyone, I wanted to detach myself from everything and everyone, but still, I wanted to talk to people. So, the online dating seemed like a good middle ground” - Noureen, 26

And here’s a response that we never expected:

“I wasn’t expecting it, but I met the love of my life. I was there for the fun and I came out with a priceless prize” - Tarek, 24

After hearing many stories, Layla decided to get you online dating in a nutshell. So, Here’s your guide to navigating the virtual dating experience scot-free:

1- Information that exposes your location or private information is off-limits. That includes photos in popular places near you, your address, or your phone number. Don’t give such information to a person you have talked to for a few weeks. You never know when a freak is lurking around.

2- Unmatch the other person once they try to test how far you would accept inappropriate language or suggestions. It is like you accept their request to cross the red line.

3- Don’t turn a blind eye to suspicious questions or attitudes in chats. Either ask for clarification or leave immediately. Dating apps are a feast for freaks.

4- Always be clear about why you are using the app with the other person. Is it just chatting, serious dating, or just exploring your options as you go down?

5- Make the most out of Google. Search their pictures to verify their claimed identity. You never know when you get catfished with a photo of a lowkey Brazilian band drummer.

6- Layla’s friends advise using photos that have not been posted publicly before; you don’t want the trick in no.4 to be used against you.

7- If green flags are soaring around, it is okay to plan a real-life date. Just take enough time to verify the person’s identity and intentions.

8- For the first few dates, set the location somewhere public, and familiar. For girls, it is always a good idea to let a friend take a stroll near your date location. Just in case you have a 911 emergency and want to get out of the place ASAP.

9- Snapchat is your next step after the dating app. It is a safe space and very protective in terms of privacy. So, avoid your social media accounts, especially WhatsApp.

10- Lastly, play it slow and get super picky about your swipe rights. The world is not safe, and dating apps are tricky. If you play safe, you may come out with a prize.

*All names have been changed upon sources’ request*