The Sunday Edition: The decline of dating apps, and what could replace them
Feb 16, 2025
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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.
Rising dissatisfaction with dating apps stems from feelings of superficiality and disposability in user interactions, prompting a search for deeper connections.
As users increasingly value spontaneous, real-life encounters, there is potential for future dating apps to integrate AI and augmented reality to enhance meaningful matchmaking.
Deep dives
The Decline of Dating Apps
Many users are experiencing a notable decline in their satisfaction and engagement with dating apps. Official statistics reveal a decrease in users across major platforms like Tinder, Hinge, and Bumble, indicating a shift in user interest and engagement. Factors contributing to this decline may include users feeling burnt out and disillusioned by the superficial nature of app interactions. People who once heavily relied on these platforms are finding it increasingly difficult to form meaningful connections, prompting them to explore alternative methods of meeting new partners.
Experiences with Dating Apps
Users report mixed experiences with dating apps, reflecting a blend of excitement and frustration. While some find success in connecting with others, many encounter a sense of disposability, with conversation threads fizzling out after initial chats. One individual mentioned that their attempts at six dates within a week yielded no lasting relationships, indicating the challenges faced by those on these platforms. Despite the excitement of potential matches, many users now consider spontaneous, real-life encounters to be more rewarding than interactions online.
Algorithm-Driven Dating: A Double-Edged Sword
Dating apps employ complex algorithms designed to match users with compatible partners based on shared interests and previous swipes. While this approach can broaden the dating pool, it often leads to frustration as users struggle to find quality connections amidst a sea of options. Many users now feel that the process resembles shopping for a product rather than genuine relationship building, which can diminish the emotional investment required for successful dating. Researchers suggest the need for users to be mindful of their swiping habits, as these choices directly influence the app's recommendations.
Evolving Approaches to Dating
With rising dissatisfaction towards traditional dating apps, there is a growing trend of seeking connections in more organic ways. Individuals report rediscovering the value of meeting people in everyday settings, such as gyms, coffee shops, and social events, finding these interactions more fulfilling than app-based connections. Experts argue that fostering real-life interactions not only facilitates deeper relationships but also enhances emotional resilience in the face of rejection. As users navigate the dating landscape's shifting dynamics, many are encouraged to consider a blend of both app and in-person opportunities to enrich their dating lives.
Official figures show that for the first time, people are leaving dating apps. So why the exodus? And could future apps - with AI and augmented reality - be any better at matchmaking?
This episode first ran on January 7 2025.
This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: thetimes.com/thestory
Guests:
Hannah Skelley, Fashion Writer and Stylist, The Times.
Dr Liesel Sharabi, Associate Professor of Human Communication and Director of the Relationships and Technology Lab at Arizona State University.