Can digital chemistry turn into real love ?

In the age of digital connections and online dating apps, love can spark from a message or a video call. People find themselves deeply gripped by someone they have not met in person- and many studies show that these digital feelings often translate into real-life romance and transform into fulfilling relationships.

Digital relationships on the rise- The surge of online dating apps has led to increased digital relationships. A large portion of young Indian daters are in relationships with matches they met online. Sometimes it starts with a mere crush, followed by online conversations that allow people to connect on a deeper level. Most online couples might not have even met their partners when they started developing feelings, but almost all wait to commit till they meet in person. With a staggering rise in people finding their true love online, it is evident that digital crush is a real thing and relationships that come out of them are as authentic as the ones formed IRL.

The lack of physical proximity is a blessing in disguise- One of the pros of online connections is the absence of immediate physical contact, which leaves ample scope to bond emotionally first. Couples online get more chances to focus on emotional compatibility; online dating app users even claim that the lack of physical proximity helps build an even more genuine relationship because it is based purely on emotional connection, with no room for physical intimacy to influence it. Once an online crush develops and a couple decides to take it further, they find it easier to be vulnerable and open; this comes primarily from a sense of emotional safety that comes from the comfort of interacting from behind a screen during the initial getting-to-know each other phase. They don’t face the same pressure to have an in-person interaction as couples IRL and also have a better scope at making informed and less-hurried decisions.

Anticipation adds to the spark- Distance makes the heart grow fonder, and online couples know that better than anyone else. The anticipation of eventually meeting an online crush adds an extra layer of excitement and gives an air of mystery to the relationship. The desire to see how an online crush can transcend into something more often works as a catalyst and helps turn a digital romance into real-life love.

Freedom of speech- The digital space gives people more freedom to voice their thoughts and articulate them well- there is no time limit or rush to respond immediately. Without the burden of awkwardness and other social pressures, there is more room for in-depth conversations. In such settings, even a mere crush has the opportunity to mature into real love.

Virtual Intimacy- People have maintained long-distance relationships through phone calls, letters, and video chats forever. Digital romance is no different. Dating app users match over similar tastes and preferences and shared interests, bond over chats and calls, maintain chemistry through affectionate messages and sustain intimacy even when they are not physically together. The majority of people seeking genuine connection prioritize emotional intimacy over physical; it is, after all, the bedrock of a healthy relationship. Online dating platforms can also help find people a match with whom they can express their thoughts freely and interact more effortlessly even if it’s all virtual. The connection matters; online or offline is merely the mode of finding it and, more often than not, has no impact on the depth of the connection.

The transitions from online to IRL- This is as exciting as it is nerve-wracking and adds to the appeal of the relationship. Daters who desire a successful online-to-IRL relationship are often suggested to manage their expectations when meeting in person. Even in true love, there will be some disappointments- it is important to understand that the online match might be slightly different in person. If the emotional quotient is high enough, even an online relationship can thrive beyond the digital world. For most couples, their relationship only improves after meeting IRL, proving that online crushes can indeed grow into something more meaningful with time.

Digital relationships do have their challenges, like all good things- there can be a slight air of uncertainty, or the missing physical cues can make things hard at times, but these are nothing that cannot be overcome with a little attention to details and effort. Since the rise of advanced technology, people’s dating patterns have been changing- young Indians have shifted from old-school meeting the one by luck to taking the wheel in their own hands and steering life toward their true love. And, as unconventional as it may seem, online crushes turning into real-life romance is becoming increasingly common. Virtual interactions are no less than real-life conversations. For all daters across the globe- their true love can be just one online match away!

(The writer is a Founder & CEO of QuackQuack)