BLK Dating and Social App survey reveals “Covid Kids” struggle to connect in person five years after lockdown began

As we mark roughly five years since Covid lockdowns began in March 2020, BLK Dating and Social App surveyed BLK users who were in high school during that time—known as “Covid Kids”—to examine their dating and socializing habits in 2025.

BLK Dating and Social App COVID survey

According to the data, pre-lockdown 32.7% met friends weekly and 28.2% daily, but now, over half (53.9%) are rattled—36.1% feel awkward, uncomfortable, or avoid hangouts entirely, while 20.3% say it’s “a lot” tougher or they’re “totally lost without screens.”

Dating reflects deep unease. Nearly half (44.2%) struggle—24.3% feel shaky or freeze up starting relationships, and 19.9% find in-person dates too stressful or prefer online as safer.

On BLK, 51.7% “chat online for a bit first,” and 3.7% avoid IRL, finding it “intimidating.” Friendships took a hit too—over 1 in 4 (27.7%) saw most friends drift apart or lost touch completely—and post-hangout, 1 in 5 (19.2%) feel drained or skip it, though 44.5% feel energized.

“Five years ago, these ‘Covid Kids’ saw their social world shut down,” says Amber Cooper, BLK’s Senior Brand Strategist. “They’re eager—27.9% on BLK want to meet ASAP—but with over half still struggling, in-person feels like a stretch. We’re here to help them bridge that gap, one step at a time.”

Amber Cooper’s Five Tips for “Covid Kids” to Reconnect:

• Use Your Past
  “You made it through a pandemic—that’s real strength. Share a lockdown memory, like ‘What got you through those days?’ It’s an easy way to connect and show your resilience to someone new.”
• Take Small Steps
  “Start with a quick coffee or a short call—no need for big plans yet. Each small interaction builds your comfort. It’s about steady progress, not instant fixes, to get you back in the groove.”
• Ask Questions
  “Don’t overthink—just ask something simple, like ‘What’s your favorite thing now?’ or ‘What did you miss most?’ It’s a low-pressure way to spark a real conversation and get to know them.”
• Stay Present
  “Focus on the here and now—their voice, their energy—not what might go wrong. Tell yourself, ‘I’m here, that’s enough.’ Dropping the pressure opens the door to genuine connection.”
• Make It Your Way
  “Love music? Share a track and plan a listen-together. Into games? Suggest a casual night around that. Shape it to fit you—connect.ion works best when it’s on your terms.”

BLK says they are dedicated to supporting “Covid Kids” as they navigate this post-pandemic landscape.

With 41.7% mixing online and IRL and 23.4% leaning IRL but needing a push, the desire is strong—but so is the challenge. “Half a decade later, they’re not stalled,” Cooper says. “They’re just recalibrating. We’re here to guide them forward.”