The Story The Sunday Edition: The decline of dating apps, and what could replace them
Feb 16, 2025
Hannah Skelly, a fashion writer and stylist at The Times, shares her disillusionment with dating apps, revealing her personal struggles and the concept of 'dating app burnout.' Dr. Liesel Sharabi, an expert in human communication, discusses the decline in user engagement, especially among younger generations. The duo explores alternatives to digital matchmaking, such as the importance of genuine, in-person connections. They envision a future where AI and augmented reality could redefine dating, but raise concerns about emotional disconnect and unrealistic expectations.
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Tube Romance
- Hannah Skelly met partners organically in diverse places like weddings, Glastonbury, and even the Tube.
- One Tube encounter led to a relationship, showcasing her chatty nature.
Six Dates, One Week
- At 27, Hannah, having never used dating apps, tried a week-long experiment with six different apps.
- The experiment included Tinder, Bumble, Hinge, Thursday, Field (for alternative relationships), and Raya (exclusive, Z-list celebrities).
Disposable Dating
- Hannah felt a lack of genuine connection on dating apps and a sense of disposability among users.
- This perception made her feel less connected despite the many possibilities.