The 21st-century dating scene is a fast-paced environment that's equally as flaky as it is fun. Apps like Tinder and Bumble have been a game-changer for anyone looking for love - but does technology help or hinder people when it comes to intercultural dating? Sonia Yee investigates.

The 21st-century dating scene is a fast-paced environment that's equally as flaky as it is fun.

Apps like Tinder and Bumble have been a game-changer for anyone looking for love - but does technology help or hinder people when it comes to intercultural dating?

Listen to the story

"I haven't dated any Indian girls so far," says Harpreet Singh.

Harpreet, who is now in his thirties, moved to New Zealand eight years ago to study and is now a working professional in Wellington.

When Harpreet arrived here, he was in a long-distance relationship with a girl in India. In the end, he called it quits.

His parents had never met his girlfriend and because he was leaving New Delhi, he was unsure whether the girl was a good fit.

Ten years ago, the dating scene in India was different and Harpreet says hook-ups weren't a thing like they are today.

Indian girls were keen to get married and preferred to be intimate only if there was the chance of marriage at the end of it, he says. That's a lot of pressure for a young guy.

Here in New Zealand, Harpreet has a relaxed approach to meeting new people.

All of his dates so far have been with Pākehā girls.

"Maybe the Indian girls don't like me, so that's why they don't swipe right."

Harpreet uses Tinder and says in his experience, girls here prefer white guys.

As soon as he tells girls that he's from India some ghost him, he says.

But that hasn't deterred Harpreet, who says he's not prepared to lie about his background just to get a date.

Harpreet is outdoorsy and adventurous with an interest in snowboarding, surfing and hiking.

He'd like to meet someone open-minded, career-driven and independent who pursues their own passions.

"I'm really bad at trying to understand another person, so for me it takes time."

Sara, 29, comes from Chandigarh about four hours out of New Delhi.

"I think everybody I know is using Tinder unless they're married," she laughs.

"I mean it's easy to date, but it's hard to be in a relationship these days..."

Sara has been single for two-and-a-half years, and her longest relationship lasted two years.

She's looking for someone who's ambitious and has their life sorted on the career front.

She prefers someone who is tall, with a subtle personality - she's not into nightlife and partying…

Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details