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Rather than connecting with a match over boring “how was your day?” and “what are your hobbies?” text messages, VR opens up the possibility of reacting to viewing art, watching movies and sharing adventures with each other. You could participate in games and challenges together to gauge whether someone has the ability to talk through problems, compromise and lose gracefully. Presumably, it’d be easier to decipher whether someone is a colossal jerk or hopeless moron. Matches will be based less on someone’s cute hair and more on how a couple interacts, works as a team and builds chemistry.

The big seller of virtual reality dating is that it increases efficiency and saves time. We want to meet better matches, but we don’t want to spend more time and effort to do so. As many people know, first dates are often a massive waste of time and resources. With VR you can better assess a potential mate and even embark on dates without having to shower or leave the comfort of your couch. The investment is minimal, but the potential payoff is higher.

The rise of VR dating could also globalize our dating pool. Most dating apps today restrict matches by distance or, in the case of Happn, prioritize people we’re likely to cross paths with in daily life. Imagine being able to meet and date suitors from all over the world. With VR, our potential matches become limitless and long-distance dating becomes much more feasible. VR technology will eventually be able to transmit sensations like hugs, kisses and handholding. There are even armatures in development that can simulate the feel of breasts and computer-controlled sex toys that allow couples to be intimate hundreds of miles apart. Cybersex may soon take on a whole new meaning.