MANILA — The Department of Health (DOH) revealed that four in every ten Filipinos are using online dating applications to look for romantic partners, citing results from the Modern Relationship Study 2021.

In an informational video posted on its official Facebook page on December 26, the DOH said the study showed that three in ten Filipinos eventually enter into relationships with people they meet online. The agency noted that the findings reflect the increasing influence of digital platforms in shaping modern relationships.

“Apat (4) sa bawat 10 mga Pilipino ang gumagamit ng online dating applications para maghanap ng kanilang karelasyon,” the DOH stated in its advisory. It added that the trend underscores how technology is reshaping social interactions, particularly among younger generations.

The DOH also reminded the public to exercise caution when using dating apps, stressing the importance of protecting personal information and avoiding risky encounters. Officials warned that while online platforms can help people connect, they also pose potential dangers such as scams, exploitation, and exposure to sexually transmitted infections (STIs) if safe practices are not observed.

Health experts emphasized that the rise of online dating should be accompanied by responsible digital behavior and awareness of sexual health risks. The DOH reiterated its call for safe and consensual relationships, whether formed online or offline.

The agency’s disclosure comes amid global studies showing similar trends. A 2017 survey by YouGov found that half of Filipinos had used online dating apps, with usage rising to 56 percent among millennials.

The DOH said it will continue to use social media campaigns to educate the public on responsible online dating and relationship practices, especially as more Filipinos turn to digital platforms to meet partners.

Dating Apps Are Not the Problem, Silence and Unpreparedness Are

That four in ten Filipinos now use dating apps is not alarming. What should worry us is how unprepared many still are for what comes with it.

Online dating did not create loneliness, curiosity, or the desire for connection. It simply gave those feelings a platform. For many Filipinos juggling long work hours, traffic, migration, or isolation, digital spaces have become the most accessible way to meet someone. That reality deserves understanding, not judgment.

The real risk lies in the gaps. Limited sex education. Weak digital literacy. A culture that avoids open conversations about consent, boundaries, and emotional safety. When these gaps exist, dating apps become risky not because of the technology, but because users are left to navigate complex situations alone.

Scams, exploitation, and health risks thrive where information is scarce and stigma is strong. Telling people to “be careful” is not enough. Guidance must be practical, honest, and age-appropriate. Safety should be taught, not assumed.

Online dating is here to stay. The question is not whether Filipinos should use these platforms, but whether institutions, families, and society are willing to equip people to use them responsibly.

Connection is human. Protection should be, too.