Live video chats serve as platform for love-seeking singles in China, attracting thousands of spectators in real-time.
Rewritten Article:
In the heart of China's bustling digital landscape, a distinctive dating phenomenon is sweeping across the nation. Young singletons are ditching traditional methods and apps in favor of livestreamed video chatrooms, where they connect, converse, and potentially fall in love in the public eye. Let's delve into this captivating new form of courtship.
Frustrated with the conventional dating scene, many individuals are embracing a novel trend among their peers: live, video-streamed group dates, orchestrated by influencers known as "cyber matchmakers." One such digital Cupid, Tian Xin, has been livestreaming these virtual gatherings on Xiaohongshu - a Chinese social media platform - for over a year.
By day, Tian works in tech; come nightfall, she transforms into a charming relationship broker, breaking the ice, cracking jokes, and moderating conversations with aplomb. Her account boasts an impressive 130,000 followers.
"Empathy is key," Tian shared with The Associated Press, "You must empathize with the feelings of those you match."
On a typical weeknight at eleven, over 800 viewers tune in to Tian's video chatroom, accompanied by enchanting love-themed Chinese pop music. The participants' faces are arranged in a grid on the screen, with another dozen lingering in digital queue.
Tian initiates the event by asking each participant a series of questions, inquiring about age, weight, profession, income, location, zodiac sign, hobbies, and relationship preferences. She might even indulge in a game, like asking a dancing PE teacher to show off his physique.
The energetic chatter amongst participants paints a picture of their daily lives as they unwind, with some applying makeup, enjoying late-night feasts, or simply engaging in leisurely activities while cameras capture their every move.
For those under immense academic and professional pressure, such as medical student Steve Chen, these online gatherings offer a viable alternative to traditional dating methods. Often overwhelmed by the intensity of their studies, Chen expresses gratitude for the convenience and accessibility these events provide.
This group dynamic is not exclusive to China. In fact, the growing trend of "lying flat" or intentionally working as little as possible to escape societal pressures resonates with a sizable portion of the youth. As a result, livestreamed video chat dating is increasingly appealing to those yearning for love without feeling overwhelmed by societal expectations.
Pleasantly surprised by the fun and interactive nature of these livestreamed events, Christine Zhang confesses that she prefers them over conventional dating apps, as they allow her to gauge potential partners beyond the static images. Catching Chen's eye through her vivacious on-screen participation, Zhang eventually shared her feelings, captivating viewers and ultimately leading to a blossoming relationship.
A year later, the couple reflects upon their remarkable journey, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to find love and gather the courage to open their hearts in the public eye.
"Finding love requires bravery," Zhang remarks, "Only those with the courage to share their feelings find love."
In the ever-evolving world of digital dating, livestreamed video chatrooms are offering a fresh, engaging, and somewhat unconventional approach for young singletons to navigate the searching for love in modern China.
- Tech professional Tian Xin, aka a cyber matchmaker, hosts livestreamed video chatrooms on Xiaohongshu, attracting over 800 viewers weekly.
- Tian Xin believes empathy is crucial in matchmaking, and she asks participants about age, weight, profession, income, location, zodiac sign, hobbies, and relationship preferences.
- In these chatrooms, participants share aspects of their lifestyles, from applying makeup to relaxing activities, all captured by cameras.
- Medical student Steve Chen finds these events convenient and accessible, a suitable alternative to traditional dating methods due to academic pressure.
- The trend of livestreamed video chat dating is resonating with youth who follow the "lying flat" philosophy, escaping societal pressures and seeking love without imposed expectations.
- Christine Zhang, an unmarried woman, prefers these livestreamed events as they enable her to evaluate potential partners beyond static images, eventually captivating Steve Chen's interest.
- A year later, the couple, Zhang and Chen, reflect on their relationship, grateful for the opportunity found in the public eye and the courage they discovered while livestreaming.
