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The Story

The decline of dating apps, and what could replace them

Jan 7, 2025
Hannah Skelly, a fashion writer at The Times, shares her humorous yet disheartening tales from dating apps, while Dr. Liesel Sharabi, an expert in communication technologies, dives into the shifting landscape of modern romance. They discuss the alarming decline of dating apps as users express frustration and burnout. The conversation includes thoughts on what might replace these platforms, like AI and augmented reality innovations, and emphasizes the significance of genuine, in-person connections over algorithm-driven matches.
30:36

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • The decline in dating app usage reveals a growing fatigue among users seeking more meaningful connections beyond superficial interactions.
  • Experts suggest that future innovations using AI and augmented reality could enhance matchmaking by prioritizing quality connections over quantity.

Deep dives

Decline in Dating App Popularity

Recent statistics indicate a notable decline in users across the UK’s leading dating apps, marking the first year-on-year drop in their popularity. Tinder experienced a loss of 600,000 users, while Hinge and Bumble also lost significant user numbers, with Hinge dropping by 131,000 and Bumble by 368,000. This trend suggests a shift in user interests, where many are reconsidering the effectiveness of dating apps in fostering genuine connections. The presence of newer apps aimed at specific demographics, such as Sniffies and Scruff for the LGBT community, reflects a changing landscape in dating options.

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