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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
National
Elsie Chen

Chinese singles are looking for love in video chats — with thousands following along in real time

China Online Dating - (Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved)

Steve Chen had never been in love. Last spring though, it happened. The 25-year-old met his first girlfriend in a way he couldn't have imagined before: a livestreamed video chat.

Frustrated with traditional dating and using the apps, Chen jumped on a new trend among young, single people in China. Those looking for love go into video chatrooms hosted by what's called a “cyber matchmaker,” all while thousands of viewers watch and comment in real time.

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