The Singaporean government has rolled out a new dating service for people under 40, and they’ll even pay for your first meal together.
If you’re a single person out there currently, the dating scene can be pretty brutal. There are apps upon apps, speed dating events, and matchmakers, but it can feel like you’re going nowhere fast.
In a bid to get people dating and get the birth rate up, the Singaporean government has rolled out a few programs. Their newest is a government-run dating website called Firstdate.
The website is aimed at single people between the ages of 21 and 35 using the country's Singpass system. Currently, only public workers can join, but that's still around 160,000 people. If eligible, you sign up, answer a questionnaire, and you’ll reach a match with a compatibility score.
Singapore singles can get their first date paid for
Now, unlike the Hang the DJ episode of Black Mirror, just because you’ve matched with someone, it doesn’t mean you have to date them.
You can play the field a little bit and look for other matches, but you are limited to one a day. Plus, newly matched users do have some time to chat things over before they decide to do anything.
However, according to Mothership, if you do decide to go on a date with your match, the government will cover the bill. “We’ve got your first date covered,” the website’s tagline reads once you’ve got your profile set up.
Firstdate is open to 21-35-year-olds in Singapore.
Once you’ve decided to go on a date, you are able to leave feedback on Firstdate, so that things can be tweaked next time around. Well, that is if you don’t fall in love at first sight.
“Ngl probably gonna try this,” one social media user said. “This might be the first app that aims to be as effective as possible,” another added. “Finally, state-assigned spouse,” another joked.
Applicants have until October 5 to sign up to the pilot programme. After that, others will likely be allowed to join.
One app now lets you verify your own height, given how important that has become to some people.
Over in Korea, PUBG publisher Krafton has even paid employees to start families in a bid to help the nation’s birth rate. Japan has also paid single residents to use dating apps.
Source: Dexerto