Have You Been Playlisted? New Study Reveals the Latest Virtual Dating Trend

Forget ghosting and cuffing. An EliteSingles study into socially distanced romance has discovered a new dating trend: playlisting, aka scheduling multiple video dates for the same night.

  • 11% of singles who’ve tried video dating are aware of having been playlisted
  • 31% of those surveyed either have or would playlist someone
  • 48% say that it’s possible to fall in love with someone you’ve only met via video
  • 58% of singles would refuse to date someone who didn’t wear a mask

The study, which was commissioned by dating app EliteSingles, polled 1,090 singles about how they’re dealing with finding love during the Covid-19 pandemic.

According to the study, singles who can’t date in person are embracing video chat platforms instead: 46% of those surveyed say that experiencing social distancing has increased their willingness to go on virtual dates.

The dating site’s research team also found that singles are starting to schedule multiple video dates for the same night, a phenomenon the EliteSingles team has dubbed “playlisting”. The study showed playlisting has become a trend during social distancing, with one-in-ten singles (11%) aware of having been playlisted, and one-in-three (31%) willing to playlist someone.

On the flip side, the study revealed virtual dating can be a way for singles stuck at home to find romance. 48% of singles think that you can fall in love with someone you’ve only met via video link.

Romantic milestones are also happening virtually. 42% of singles surveyed say that they’d be comfortable referring to someone they’d only met via video as their boyfriend/girlfriend/partner. And 26% would introduce that new partner to friends and family via a group video chat.

The study also looked at how singles are dating when they can meet in person. Here, one thing was clear: masks are the new must-have dating accessory.

In fact, eschewing a mask could be bad for your love life, as more than half of singles (58%) would flat-out refuse to date someone who did not wear a mask.

Additionally, 63% of singles would insist on wearing a mask on all dates. That includes 41% who’d take the mask off only when seated, and 22% who’d prefer to wear their mask at all times.

Finally, for some singles, masks are yet another way to look sharp. 20% of women and 14% of men say it’s important that their mask matches their first date outfit.

Press Contact:
Sophie Watson | [email protected]

About EliteSingles
EliteSingles is designed for successful single professionals seeking a committed, fulfilling long-term relationship. EliteSingles is part of Spark Networks SE (NYSE American “LOV’’), one of the global leaders in online dating. Operating in 29 countries and supporting 15 languages, Spark Networks has headquarters in Berlin, and offices in New York and Utah.

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