The trend of speed dating has gotten a paper bag makeover.
Speed dating has traditionally been a sport that relies heavily on physical attraction. Since you only have a few seconds to meet someone, you can really only base your decision on his or her looks. Come to think of it, they should just call it speed fucking, because if you are choosing someone based only on their looks, chances are a hookup is all you will really get out of it.
‘Paper Bag Speed Dating’ aims to change all that. The trend is based in London, and works the same way as normal speed dating except that participants wear paper bags over their heads. This forces people to base their decisions on personality, which in my mind could lead to some more lasting relationships.
The owners of an app called LoveFlutter created the event, wondering if people would be able to get a date based only on their personality. Participants were allowed to personalize their bags with quirky messages or conversation-starters.
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The goal is to combat other dating apps that allow for swiping, and allow people to get to know each other’s personalities before looks. The LoveFlutter app actually blurs out photos for this purpose.
You have to admit that with dating apps there is a lot of digital narcissism going on. I think that the idea of knowing someone on the inside before you judge them is a valid one, but I would hate to get home and take that bag off only to find out my new lover looks like Mickey Rourke. The risk of disappointment is high, but the reward of really getting to know someone is probably worth it.
