How the Game Has Changed
I recently came across an article about the rise of 'App Dating' in South Korea, especially among young people, replacing the traditional 'Natural Dating' trend. It reminded me of my favorite American TV show, The Big Bang Theory (2007–2019), and the quirky couple, Sheldon and Amy. In the show, Sheldon, the socially awkward genius, gets set up with Amy through a dating app—an app so perfect that it found his intellectual match! Thinking of how well it worked for them, I decided to dive into some research on this rising trend of app-based dating. I found some fascinating stats in reports from Maeil Economy and Sensor Tower, and I thought it’d be fun to break it down for you.
- quirky - 특이한
- intellectual - 지적인
- stats (statistics) - 통계
- break down - 분석하다, 나누다
What’s the Deal with ‘App Dating’?
How do people meet their partners these days? A few years ago, the popular belief was that love would find you naturally—through a friend's introduction, at work, or during a hobby you enjoy. This was known as 자만추 (ja-man-chu, or “pursuing natural encounters”). Fast forward to 2024, and that’s becoming a thing of the past. Enter 앱만추 (app-man-chu), where meeting people through apps has become the new norm.
This shift is not just some passing trend. Dating apps have become essential tools for people in our modern world. According to reports from 2023, people worldwide spent $5.7 billion (₩7.69 trillion) on dating apps, and in Korea alone, the market hit ₩1.6 trillion. Clearly, romance is going digital.
Why App Dating Is Winning Over Natural Encounters
So, what caused the shift from 자만추 to 앱만추? Let’s look at a few reasons why app dating has become more popular:
1. Convenience is Key
One of the biggest reasons is how convenient dating apps are. With just a few taps on your phone, you can connect with people not just from your city, but from around the world. You can filter by age, interests, and even hobbies. There’s no need to hope for a chance encounter at a café or a party. Apps like Tinder make it incredibly easy. Just swipe right if you like someone’s profile and left if you don’t. It’s quick, intuitive, and lets you meet people while barely lifting a finger.
2. Digital Romance: The New Normal
The pandemic was a major game changer. With social distancing and lockdowns, meeting people in person became nearly impossible. Dating apps became a lifeline for those wanting to stay connected, leading to an increase in users during COVID-19. Even now, with restrictions lifted, the habit of meeting people online hasn’t faded—it’s gotten stronger. Busy with work and life, more people find app dating fits better into their daily routines than old-school natural encounters.
3. Respecting Individual Preferences
Another reason app dating is thriving is that it respects people’s preferences more than traditional dating does. You can specify exactly what you’re looking for, whether that’s a casual connection or a serious relationship. Plus, dating apps offer a safe space for LGBTQ+ users or those with unique relationship preferences to connect with like-minded people, which can be difficult to find in the offline world.
The Korean Dating App Market
In 2024, Korea’s dating app market continues to grow steadily. Dating through apps has become so common that it's hard to imagine relationships without them. Here’s a quick look at some of the leading apps in the Korean market:
Wippy
- Launch Year: 2017
- Country: South Korea
- What Makes It Special: This app focuses on meeting “local friends” in your area. It’s all about connecting with people nearby and building relationships within your community. In 2023, Wippy became the top-grossing dating app in Korea.
Tinder
- Launch Year: 2012
- Country: USA
- What Makes It Special: Globally famous, Tinder allows users to swipe through profiles and match with people all over the world. It’s incredibly popular in Korea too, with around 170,000 monthly active users. The easy swiping system makes it one of the most user-friendly apps out there.
Glam
- Launch Year: 2016
- Country: South Korea
- What Makes It Special: Glam has a unique approach—users are rated by others on their looks and personality, which generates a “charm score.” Matches are made based on similar charm levels. Glam also has a live-streaming feature where users can interact in real time. With 110,000 monthly users, it’s gaining serious momentum.
App Dating vs. Natural Dating: Which is Better?
So, is app dating better than natural dating? Well, that depends on you. If you’re in an environment where you naturally meet new people—through work, hobbies, or friends—natural dating might still work for you. But if you’re short on time or want more control over who you meet, app dating can be a great option.
Dating apps are especially helpful if you want to meet someone quickly and have specific preferences. For example, Glam lets users rate each other, and matches are made between people with similar scores, offering a more tailored experience than you’d get through a blind date or casual encounter.
Watch Out for the Downsides
Of course, with the rise of app dating, there are some downsides to consider. Romance scams are on the rise, with some users pretending to be wealthy or successful to swindle money from their matches. Always be cautious and avoid giving out personal information or sending money.
Another issue is that many matches made online never actually turn into real-life relationships. People might start chatting, but often the conversation fizzles out before you ever meet in person. This can lead to more frustration or loneliness in the long run.
Focus on Forming Genuine Connections
The dating app industry shows no signs of slowing down. However, the most important thing remains: authenticity. While it’s easy to start conversations and match with people online, building a meaningful relationship still takes effort. Whether you’re using an app or meeting someone naturally, mutual respect and care are the foundation of any strong relationship.
As app dating continues to dominate the scene, it’s crucial to stay mindful and focus on forming genuine connections. After all, behind every profile is a real person, and finding that special someone is still about quality over quantity.
So, whether you’re team 자만추 or 앱만추, remember to keep it real. 😊
- popular belief - 대중적인 믿음
- natural encounter - 자연스러운 만남
- passing trend - 일시적인 유행
- essential tools - 필수 도구
- intuitive - 직관적인
- pandemic - 팬데믹
- social distancing - 사회적 거리두기
- lockdown - 봉쇄
- lifeline - 생명줄
- preferences - 선호
- casual connection - 가벼운 관계
- scam - 사기
- fizzle out - 흐지부지되다
- authenticity - 진정성
- mutual respect - 상호 존중
- meaningful relationship - 의미 있는 관계
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