SHAH ALAM - In today's fast-paced world, finding lasting love can be a challenge.
However, a growing number of Malaysians were turning to offline matchmaking services for a more personal and fulfilling dating experience.
Offline matchmaking agency Dateworks operations manager Charmain Goh said more people were now looking for meaningful relationships, unlike the trend of online dating where people often preferred virtual over face-to-face interactions.
"Many are seeking genuine connections and long-term commitments, turning to offline matchmaking services for effective facilitation," she said.
Goh said those people were seeking better personal fulfilment and emotional intimacy through compatible partners.
"This might also be relevant with how the restrictions during the pandemic have put limitations on digital dating, which makes them more interested in genuine, offline connections," she told Sinar Daily.
However, she noted that there were several barriers to finding compatible dates today.
These, she said included high expectations, greater exposure to diverse lifestyles and ideals, busy schedules, modern work commitments, social changes, evolving gender roles, societal expectations and lack of personal connection.
She emphasised that the usage of dating applications spiked during Covid-19 and continued to remain high post-Covid compared to before the pandemic.
Goh said during the outbreak, restrictions on social interactions pushed people towards online platforms to seek connections.
On the other hand, offline dating offered increased personal fulfillment and open communication, making it more preferred by newer generations.
The matchmaking expert noted that some individuals were seeking these qualities through offline matchmaking services.
"The current dating culture is predominantly influenced by millennials and Generation Z, who prioritise authenticity, equality and meaningful connections in relationships," she said.
She said there was an evolving trend towards more self-directed and consensual relationships nowadays.
The shift, she said has made traditional practices like arranged and child marriages less common, although cultural standards still influenced relationship dynamics.
"Different cultures adopt varying approaches to dating, with many still valuing traditional methods," she said.
She also highlighted that while digital platforms will continue to play a role in dating, the future of dating culture was unlikely to be entirely digital.
She stated a few reasons why people preferred offline dating such as favouring physical touch, a hybrid approach through face-to-face interactions, the value of authenticity through genuine relationships which could only be found offline, emphasising compatibility and long-term commitment as well as cultural preferences.
"The dating culture will continue to blend digital advancements with the irreplaceable value of personal and offline connections, which makes offline matchmaking services more relevant than ever," she said.
Goh said nowadays, a small group of people have been misusing dating applications for business purposes or ill-intentions which hindered the original purpose of finding meaningful connections in modern dating today.
"People become less confident in the authenticity of the people online," she added.