China’s marriage numbers are at an all-time low, raising concerns about the country’s future population. According to the latest data from China’s Ministry of Civil Affairs, only 3.43 million couples tied the knot in the first half of 2024, a staggering drop of 498,000 compared to the same period last year, reported Business Standard. He Yafu, an independent demographic expert, has predicted that 2024 could see the lowest marriage registration numbers since 1980.
Amid these worrying trends, a Chinese tech company is trying to make a difference – by paying its employees to date! Insta360, a camera company based in Shenzen, has launched a unique campaign to boost employee happiness and, hopefully, marriage rates, reported Moneycontrol.
They’ve set up an internal online dating platform, offering a cash incentive of 66 yuan (about Rs 750) for each post introducing a single person from outside the company. If two employees hit it off and stay together for at least three months, the couple, and the matchmaker, get 1,000 yuan (around Rs 11,300) each.
So far, about 500 posts have been made, and 10,000 yuan has been handed out for matchmaking efforts. However, it’s too soon to tell if this initiative will have a long-term impact, as no couples have yet reached the three-month mark.
Experts say the decline in marriages is tied to several factors. There’s a shrinking young population, a skewed gender ratio with more men than women, and a shift in societal attitudes—many are delaying marriage or avoiding it altogether. High wedding costs and financial burdens have also contributed, making it harder for young couples to take the plunge.
With China’s marriage rates plummeting, unconventional ideas like this may become more common.