SALT TAKES ONLINE DATING TO CHURCH

Britney Arthur

@po47brit

‘SALT – Christian Dating’ (SALT) is an award-winning dating app that made its ‘Google Play’ and ‘App Store’ debut in South Africa in September 2021. The app takes a bold approach to religion-based dating outside of conventional church and church-related settings, motivated by worldwide COVID-19 restrictions and their impact on social lives.

According to its description on app store platforms, ‘SALT’ is “made for Christians by Christians.”
Paul Rider, South African-born Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and founder of the app said, “Traditional dating can be difficult and pressurized for Christians, and it is a challenge to meet Christians beyond your own church community. And now, with many churches limiting attendance at services or moving online, interaction has become even more difficult.”

Wapad’s Instagram showed that the majority of students are in favour of a religion-based dating app. Dian de Jongh, third year BPharm student and member of the ‘NG Kerk’ denomination said, “It’s tough to meet somebody now. And even if you go out and meet somebody, it’s not to say that you’re going to meet them in a church environment. So, yes, I think I would use it.” 

According to Rider, evidence states that 40% of couples met online. But there is still a stigma surrounding dating apps. Wapad conducted a small, anonymous survey amongst members of a church in Potchefstroom and it was found that six out of eight members, also NWU-Pukke students, have used dating apps. One member said that dating apps should best be avoided as they “become congregating points for the desperate.” Another commented that dating apps are notorious for “flings, and are not used to form strong, committed relationships.”

It was argued by another member that using apps “for the purpose of meeting a romantic partner is not in alignment with God’s will.” To this argument, Rider answered that “it’s often said that we should pray as if everything relies on God and work as if everything relies on us. Achieving the balance of faith and action is difficult and I don’t think our dating lives are any different.”

Regardless of the skepticism surrounding online dating, ‘SALT’ is currently the most popular Christian dating app on the digital market. 

The app is free to download and is available on ‘Google Play’ and ‘App Store’ markets.