With the new year comes new swipes — and the fact that this Sunday is the busiest day of the year for online dating makes total sense to these NYC singles.
“It’s a little bit of like, ‘I want to make a change in my life. I just spent New Year’s Eve hugging a random stranger and feeling awkward because I didn’t have anyone,’” said West Village comedian and Hinge user Jared Freid, whose standup special “Jared Freid: 37 and Single” is streaming on Netflix.
“Also in January, there’s not much going on, there’s less events, less happy hours, no holiday parties. So you’re like, ‘How do I fill that time?’”
Dating apps report a drastic surge in matches and messages on “Dating Sunday,” the first Sunday of the year.
On Hinge, Dating Sunday saw a 27% increase in likes and a 29% increase in messages last year compared to the average Sunday.
The League saw 38% more messages and 53% more matches.
Stephanie Kiser of Astoria, who is on Hinge and The League, said the surge is understandable now that the holidays have ended.
“I’m not on the apps very much during November and December because it’s the busiest time of year. And then January comes and it’s like, ‘Oh s–t,’” she told The Post.
Jade Shenker, who got divorced early last year, believes the time spent with family over the holidays also puts singles in a coupling mood.
“It . . . entices you to start thinking about those things, sharing those moments with someone,” she said.
Danny Mondello, who lives in Brooklyn, sees the appeal of Sundays for swiping.
“Sunday’s like notorious for the day of relaxation, the day you stay home and hang out with . . . your significant other. And I guess if you don’t have a significant other, you’re gonna use Sunday to find that person,” he said.
“And most people are at home and hung over on Sundays, at least I am.”
Erika Ettin, an online dating coach based in Brooklyn, said Dating Sunday is the perfect storm.
“Historically, Sunday has been the busiest day for online dating, likely because a good way to beat the Sunday scaries is to distract yourself with the hope of meeting a partner. Add to that New Year’s resolutions, and you have Dating Sunday,” she said.
