Chinese single seek love in video chats with thousands of viewers in real time

Elsie Cen reported that Steve Chen, who had never experienced love before, found his first girlfriend last spring at the age of 25 in an unexpected way – through a live video chat. Dissatisfied with traditional dating methods and apps, Chen joined a new trend in China where single young people participate in video chat rooms organized by “married cybernetics,” allowing thousands of viewers to observe and comment in real time.

China has seen a record-breaking 240 million single individuals over the age of 15 in 2023, prompting the government to encourage marriage and procreation in response to a declining birth rate and aging population. President Xi Jinping emphasized the need to promote a new marriage and procreation culture, urging people to form families.

Initially shy and introverted, Chen found love in a live video chat room organized by Tian Xin, a “married cybernetic” who hosts virtual group chats on the Chinese social networking app Xiaohongshu (Rednote). Tian, who works in technology during the day, engages with over 130,000 followers at night, fostering conversations and providing relationship advice.

During one of Tian’s video chat sessions, participants answered questions about themselves and engaged in casual activities while on camera. For Chen, a medical student with a demanding schedule, video chats offered a convenient way to socialize and potentially meet a partner.

Live video chats have become a popular alternative for young Chinese singles seeking relationships, as they offer a more interactive and engaging experience compared to dating apps or traditional matchmaking methods. For Christine Zhang and Chen, regular viewers of Tian’s broadcasts, the live chats provided a platform to connect and eventually led to a serious relationship.

Zhang emphasized the courage required to express feelings in front of a live audience, believing that only the brave are able to find love. Their story serves as a testament to the changing landscape of dating in China, where technology has enabled new avenues for individuals to meet and form meaningful connections.