In 2022, the dating landscape underwent significant transformations, influenced by the ongoing effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, technological advancements, and evolving societal attitudes toward relationships and sexual health. These shifts brought about new trends and challenges, particularly concerning sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).
This article delves into the key STD-related dating trends of 2022, highlighting the factors contributing to the rise in STD cases and the emerging practices aimed at promoting safer dating experiences.
A Post-Pandemic Spike in STD Cases
When pandemic restrictions began to lift, people around the world enthusiastically re-entered the dating and hookup scene. However, this return to intimacy came with an unexpected and concerning consequence: a significant rise in STD cases. Public health agencies in Europe reported sharp increases in gonorrhea and syphilis. In South Australia, syphilis diagnoses more than doubled in just a few years, and similar trends were observed in the United States and parts of Asia.
Experts linked the rise in infections to several contributing factors. During lockdowns, many individuals postponed regular medical checkups, including STD testing. As a result, undetected infections spread more easily when people became sexually active again. Additionally, the sense of freedom that accompanied post-lockdown life led many to seek more spontaneous or casual encounters. In the excitement of regaining social opportunities, safe sex practices sometimes took a backseat.
Condom use, in particular, declined in certain groups. Some individuals who had developed relationships during lockdowns didn’t feel the need for protection. Others simply didn’t prioritise it in the moment. As these behaviours became more widespread, public health officials raised concerns and began emphasising the need for education and testing to reverse the trend.
The Dating App Dilemma
While dating apps helped millions of people maintain social contact during the pandemic, they also played a complicated role in the spread of STDs in 2022. Apps like Tinder, Bumble, Hinge, and Grindr made it easier than ever to meet new people. For many, these platforms provided a lifeline during isolation. Yet, their convenience also led to a culture of casual dating and multiple short-term partners, which inadvertently contributed to increased STD transmission.
The fast pace of app-based dating often meant skipping important conversations about sexual health. Many users prioritised chemistry and attraction over deeper discussions. In some cases, there was a false sense of safety or familiarity that came from extended texting or virtual dates. But when in-person meetings resumed, those skipped conversations became significant.
In response, some dating apps began incorporating features to promote safer sex practices. Reminders about STD testing, health resources, and even options for users to disclose their STD status or testing frequency started appearing. While these changes were steps in the right direction, the impact varied depending on user participation and awareness.
New STD dating trends will shape how we look for love.
1. Slow dating reel
Many people are more accepting of taking things slow during dating. Slow dating is one of the dating trends that has become popular in STD dating. Singles no longer need to rush things because of pressure with the slow dating trend. Even with STDs, single individuals now take their time to get to know each other and create a connection before determining if they want to pursue the relationship or meet in person.
Dating with STDs is challenging, but the new trends are making it easier for everyone to decide on the right thing for themselves without feeling pressured. The slow dating trend now helps singles to understand the importance of taking their time to weigh their relationship goals carefully. While many individuals with STDs don’t want to waste their chances, it is more important to take some time to discover who is and isn’t suitable for you.
2. Emotional and IQ in Connecticut
Many relationships, including STD dating and BBW dating, require partners to be open-minded and accepting. Gone are the days when people only focus on the face card in choosing their ideal partner. Another trend has shown that many single individuals now place more priority on emotional intelligence than physical attractiveness when choosing a partner.
Singles now value emotional maturity over physical appearance in a spouse. Choosing kindness and emotional maturity in a relationship never goes out of style. Instead of just settling with anyone, your perfect match will have to be someone who motivates you to be your best self. While spending so much time looking good, working on your outward attributes is crucial.
The Popularity of ‘Situationships’
In 2022, more people gravitated toward informal romantic arrangements known as “situationships.” These relationships existed in the grey area between friendship and commitment. While not entirely casual, they often lacked the formal structure or exclusivity of traditional partnerships.
Situationships allowed individuals to enjoy companionship without the pressures of defining the relationship. However, this trend came with complications, especially in terms of sexual health. When boundaries and expectations weren’t communicated, it often led to misunderstandings about exclusivity and safe sex practices.
Many people in these flexible arrangements continued to see other partners, sometimes unknowingly putting themselves or others at risk. Without open dialogue, assumptions were made, and important topics like STD testing and condom use were frequently avoided. This made the need for communication even more critical than in traditional dating setups.
Sober Dating on the Rise
Another refreshing trend in 2022 was the rise of sober or low-alcohol dating. Particularly popular among Gen Z and younger millennials, this approach focused on mindfulness, clarity, and genuine connection. Instead of meeting at bars, many people opted for coffee dates, walks in the park, or museum outings.
Sober dating naturally created space for more intentional conversations. People felt more in control and aware of their decisions, leading to better discussions around consent, boundaries, and sexual health. The absence of alcohol reduced the chances of misunderstandings and helped individuals make more thoughtful choices about intimacy.
This movement also encouraged a broader cultural shift toward wellness. It aligned with other values, like mental health awareness and healthy communication, that were gaining prominence in modern dating culture.
Older Adults and STD Awareness
Contrary to stereotypes, older adults became increasingly sexually active in 2022, especially as dating apps tailored to the 50+ demographic gained popularity. Platforms like SilverSingles and OurTime brought older individuals back into the dating scene, and many embraced the chance to find companionship or romance later in life.
However, this group also experienced a rise in STD rates. Several factors contributed to this trend. First, many older adults did not view themselves as being at risk, especially if they were past childbearing age. As a result, condom use was less common. Secondly, many hadn’t received any formal sexual education in decades and were unaware of how STDs could affect them.
Public health campaigns began to address this issue by targeting older populations with updated information and emphasising the importance of regular testing. Still, more work remains to be done to fully integrate older adults into the broader conversation around sexual health.
Mental Health and Dating with an STD
For many people, being diagnosed with an STD brings emotional challenges that go far beyond the physical symptoms. Feelings of shame, fear, rejection, and anxiety are common. In 2022, there was growing recognition of the mental health toll associated with STD diagnoses, and more resources were made available to support individuals navigating these experiences.
Therapists specialising in sexual health and relationship counselling reported increased demand. People were seeking help to process their emotions, build self-esteem, and learn how to communicate their diagnosis to potential partners. Online support groups, Reddit communities, and confidential chat rooms also played a vital role in helping individuals feel seen and understood.
This emotional support helped many people regain confidence and approach dating from a place of self-acceptance rather than fear. The realisation that a diagnosis does not define one’s worth was a powerful shift, and it enabled healthier, more open relationships to form.
At-Home Testing and Telehealth
Another key trend of 2022 was the rise of at-home STD testing kits and telehealth consultations. These services removed barriers to testing by offering privacy, convenience, and fast results. For individuals wary of visiting a clinic or discussing personal details in person, this innovation was transformative.
Companies like Everlywell, myLAB Box, and LetsGetChecked allowed people to order kits online, take samples at home, and receive their results digitally. These kits also provided educational resources, making it easier for users to understand their health and next steps.
Telehealth further enhanced accessibility. Doctors and sexual health professionals could provide consultations via video or phone, write prescriptions, and discuss treatment plans—all without requiring in-person visits. This technology not only made healthcare more efficient but also helped reduce the stigma around seeking help.
A Surge in Digital Sexual Health Education
2022 also saw a rise in accessible sexual health education across social media. Influencers, doctors, and educators took to platforms like TikTok and Instagram to share information about STDs in engaging and digestible ways. Complex topics were broken down into short videos or posts, helping people learn without feeling overwhelmed.
These digital campaigns emphasised the importance of regular testing, the reality of STD transmission through oral sex or shared sex toys, and the need to normalise status disclosure. For many users, especially those in younger generations, this content filled gaps left by outdated or insufficient sex education in schools.
Social media became an important tool in combating misinformation, debunking myths, and encouraging people to take control of their sexual health. As a result, more individuals approached dating with a greater sense of responsibility and awareness.
Global Disparities in STD Trends
While developed nations made strides in testing and education, developing countries continued to struggle with high STD rates due to limited resources, stigma, and poor healthcare infrastructure. In many parts of the world, accessing testing or treatment remained a challenge. Marginalised groups—such as LGBTQ+ individuals, sex workers, and ethnic minorities—were particularly vulnerable due to systemic barriers and discrimination.
International organisations called for more inclusive health strategies that addressed these inequities. This included funding local health initiatives, training professionals, and launching culturally appropriate educational programs.
Without addressing these disparities, global STD prevention efforts would remain incomplete. The conversations and solutions of 2022 highlighted the need for a more unified and compassionate approach.
A Culture of Openness and Responsibility
Reflecting on 2022, it’s clear that the year was defined by a growing commitment to honesty, awareness, and mutual respect in dating. While challenges such as rising STD rates and persistent stigma remain, the progress made toward normalising conversations and empowering individuals was encouraging.
Dating with an STD no longer has to mean fear or isolation. Through technology, community, education, and open dialogue, more people are forging meaningful connections based on trust and understanding. As we look ahead, the trends of 2022 provide a roadmap for safer, healthier, and more inclusive dating in the years to come.
