Dating Apps Flourish in China Despite Restrictions—Here's Why Chinese Government Allows Them

Chinese residents use them not just for romance.

Dating apps flourishing in China is quite surprising as the Chinese government is well-known for its strict laws to control online goods and services.

Dating Apps Flourish in China Despite Restrictions—Here's Why Chinese Government Allows Them
In this photo illustration, the dating app Tinder is seen on the screen of an iPhone on August 14, 2018 in Miami, Florida. The co-founders of Tinder and eight other former and current executives of the dating app are suing the service's current owners for at least $2 billion. Photo illustration by Joe Raedle/Getty Images

However, there's a good reason why the Asian country's government officials allow these dating applications to grow in China.

Many Chinese residents shared their great experiences when they used dating apps. One of these is Qu Tongzhou.

Now, here's how these social applications helped the Shanghai-based photography assistant during her western China trip.

Dating Apps Flourish in China Despite Restrictions

Ms. Tongzhuo shared that there were some cities in western China that are quite unwelcoming. she said that some hotels refused her since locals were cautious with travelers due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Dating Apps Flourish in China Despite Restrictions—Here's Why Chinese Government Allows Them
The "Grindr" app logo is seen amongst other dating apps on a mobile phone screen on November 24, 2016 in London, England. Following a number of deaths linked to the use of anonymous online dating apps, the police have warned users to be aware of the risks involved, following the growth in the scale of violence and sexual assaults linked to their use. Photo by Leon Neal/Getty Images

Since she felt lonely in unfamiliar places, Qu decided to use the popular Chinese dating apps; Jimu and Tantan. The woman said that she knew the risks since dating applications are about meeting strangers.

But, all things worked pretty well for her since she met new friends, including a Tibetan doctor and a biotech entrepreneur. Some of her matches even helped her find lodgings.

"If I didn't use these apps, I wouldn't have met many people. No one would have taken me out on the town," said Tongzhuo via The New York Times.

This just shows that dating apps in China can actually help visitors and residents create non-romantic connections with other individuals.

Chinese Government Allowing Dating Apps

Analytics firm data.ai said that datings apps in China are now more than 270. This is quite the increase compared to the 81 Chinese dating applications back in 2017.

The tech firm added that downloads and in-app purchases involving dating apps also increased throughout the years.

These social applications have already helped China in different ways. For example, dating apps encouraged people to get married during a time when China's marriage and fertility rates were at their lowest.

On the other hand, they also helped residents find connections during COVID-19 lockdowns. These events show that dating apps are not just for romance.

But, you still need to be careful when using these dating apps when visiting China and other countries. RAINN.Org provided some tips you can follow to ensure your safety:

  • Block and report suspicious users.
  • Wait to Share Personal Information.
  • Use different photos for your dating profile.
  • Avoid connecting with suspicious profiles.
  • Check out your potential date on social media.

In other stories, the U.K. data regulator accused TikTok of violating child data privacy.

Meanwhile, the new Instagram 60-second Stories feature has been released.

For more news updates about dating apps and other kinds of applications, always keep your tabs open here at TechTimes.

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Written by Griffin Davis

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