COLORADO SPRINGS — The dating scene prior to the pandemic was hard for anyone to navigate, but meeting someone for the first time or a person you like is more challenging nowadays.
Because of the pandemic and COVID restrictions, many are now turning to dating apps.
"It is a lot more challenging to meet people in person. Everyone wants to be six feet away. The bars aren't crowded anymore and it's a lot harder to strike up a conversation," said Bryan Spiess.
Spiess has online dated since the pandemic began because there's fewer ways to meet people.
"I think with being single through the pandemic, it's pushed a lot of people to consider online dating that never really did," he added.
Meagan Thomas and Madeline Hoeppner have a podcast called 'Single in the Springs' where they discuss dating in the area and interview local guests. They hosted weekly podcasts and hosted ticketed singles events with as many as 150-200 guests, until the pandemic hit.
"It's really hard to meet people in Colorado Springs unless you use dating apps," said Thomas. "We wanted to come up with a way where people could go to an event and know there are other singles looking."
Since then, they've given tips and advice on dating app profiles, and taking new profile pictures. They hope to host dating events like meet-ups in the spring and follow COVID restrictions.
"We're trying to work out the details on how you can meet new people" during the pandemic, said Thomas. " It's a numbers game. the more people you know, the more likely you're going to meet someone who is the right person for you."
