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[cormack12]

Source: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cg7zxgxdggjo

[..] evidence suggests that young people are switching off dating apps, with the UK's top 10 seeing a fall of nearly 16%, according to a report published by Ofcom, external in November 2024. Tinder lost 594,000 users, while Hinge dropped by 131,000, Bumble by 368,000 and Grindr by 11,000, the report said (a Grindr spokesperson said they were "not familiar with this study's source data" and that their UK users "continue to rise year over year").

In a January 2024 letter to shareholders, Match Group Inc - which owns Tinder and Hinge - acknowledged younger people were seeking "a lower pressure, more authentic way to find connections".

"The idea of using a shared interest to meet someone isn't new, but it's been reinvented in this particular moment in time – it signals a desire of Gen Z," [..]


A year into their relationship, Jess and Nate got engaged next to the sea. "It was a golden, sandy beach – empty and secluded," says Jess, 26. "It was just us two there, so it was really intimate."

Except that the couple were actually hundreds of miles apart – and they were role-playing their engagement in the video game World of Warcraft.

According to Danait Tesfay, 26, a marketing assistant from London, younger people are looking for alternatives to dating apps, "whether that be gaming or running clubs or extra-curricular clubs, where people are able to meet other like-minded people and eventually foster a romantic connection".


(More at link)

 

[Connificent]

Date chatbots

 

[Griffon]

I can see it. Dating apps are more useless than ever nowadays, currently plainly doesn't work for me. I'm only getting dates or hookups when I go out and meet people directly IRL.

With that said, MMOs are kind of a bad example, it might have somewhat worked about ten years ago or earlier for the luckiest of us, but now I'd say it's way too much of a millennial niche to meet any girl under the age or 36 (and most of those already have 4 kids from 3 marriages).

 

[Pejo]

Gen Z is fucked with relationships anyways. Birth rates are going down the shitter. Everybody's too self-centered anymore to put in the work required for a healthy relationship.

 

[ANoa]

Surprised the decline didn't start years ago. Hookup apps are a well documented gigantic waste of time for almost all men. Meeting through mutual friends is still the tried and true best method for adults.

 

[DKehoe]

There's certainly a convenience to dating apps. But the actual experience can be quite shitty. Meeting people in more traditional ways is probably better overall.

But the volume of people you can match with on dating apps and the fact that you can use them lying in your bed means they probably aren't going away.

 

[Lambogenie]

The idea that these apps need to exist forever or have growing user bases is really sad and alarming. They don't want you to settle. They want you to keep looking and keep fucking around. Hinge's original "made to be deleted" motto was noble but Match group swooped in.

The experience on them is nearly always miserable. People aren't up for any real effort and will ghost all the time. When it works, it works but that is increasingly rare! They are mostly a vanity project.

Hope the singles out there find better ways like through friends. The ceos of these apps can do one.

 

[longrainwater]

"Except that the couple were actually hundreds of miles apart – and they were role-playing their engagement in the video game World of Warcraft."

 

[AJUMP23]

I met my wife through her sister. And a lot of my friends met their wives at church.

I think getting out doing stuff is a good way to meet people. Social settings.

 

[longrainwater]

When I used to use dating apps, it always felt like a video game itself. A little dopamine hit for every swipe right or message reply.

I met my wife in person on a hike.

 

[RCX]

So, talking to people in real life in authentic situations?

What a fucking revelation.

Get thee to church. FFS

 

[March Climber]

 

[Unknown Soldier]

Dating apps nearly ruined a generation but it's nice to see people are figuring out that they are shit and are ruining their generation

 

[Hudo]

I can see it. Dating apps are more useless than ever nowadays, currently plainly doesn't work for me. I'm only getting dates or hookups when I go out and meet people directly IRL.

With that said, MMOs are kind of a bad example, it might have somewhat worked about ten years ago or earlier for the luckiest of us, but now I'd say it's way too much of a millennial niche to meet any girl under the age or 36 (and most of those already have 4 kids from 3 marriages).

This. I actually managed to date a girl I got to know via WoW. Not together with her anymore, but it was nice while it lasted. But today's situation is a completely different one than it was in 2007 or so. MMOs, including WoW, are much more niche and the dating market is quite fucked.

 

[Chittagong]

A year into their relationship, Jess and Nate got engaged next to the sea.

Except that the couple were actually hundreds of miles apart – and they were role-playing their engagement in the video game World of Warcraft.

Well that's a fucking shock

 

[Klosshufvud]

The worst thing about dating apps is how they shut off a whole generation to go out and be open minded to new people. Everyone just logged off on IRL and relied on their phones to easily carry them through what used to be tough but also rewarding real life interactions.

I find it all so tragic. What could've been the times of amazing memories became the era of smartphones and digital communication. Everything is just too easy and effortless. Nobody wants to put in the energy and time of meeting new people in a non-controlled environment. They're all too busy seeking fast track solutions to intricate problems. The generation of comfort and indifference.

 

[JimmyRustler]

I can fully see that dating apps will plummet. I mean, it's a joke. I have never heard anyone say "over tinder" when I asked how they met. Everyone knows it's embarrassing.

That said, I don't see it being replaced. People are just opting out of the game.

 

[RJMacready73]

I was in Belfast the other week on a session with some mates and the place was hiving with peeps of all ages, out drinking, socialising and chatting, whilst waiting on getting served at one bar I got easily chatting with the girl next to me and if single could've easily progressed it, alas I'm one of those old fashioned faithful chaps... Anyways maybe the ones complaining most about these dating apps just need to get the fuck out and actual approach human females a bit more

 

[ForAcademicPurposes]

About the height thing.

I know several women who are taller than me who are keen. All different ethnicities too.

 

[Kenpachii]

Never used dating apps never will.

 

[Cyberpunkd]

The worst thing about dating apps is how they shut off a whole generation to go out and be open minded to new people.

Nah, you have rose tinted glasses. In the last before dating apps bast majority of people met through acquaintances or in clubs (while drinking or doing some activity). Chatting random girls up was cringe AF the same way it is now.

 

[Mondai]

Surprised the decline didn't start years ago. Hookup apps are a well documented gigantic waste of time for almost all men. Meeting through mutual friends is still the tried and true best method for adults.

Can confirm on meeting through friends , that's how I met my wife.

 

[Rickyiez]

I'm all for dating apps to get fuking wiped off the face of earth , but online gaming is not it when it comes to replacing it.

I hope more IRL meetups , events , communities get popular again , even tho I'm pretty much an introvert

 

[Connificent]

Nah, you have rose tinted glasses. In the last before dating apps bast majority of people met through acquaintances or in clubs (while drinking or doing some activity). Chatting random girls up was cringe AF the same way it is now.

I learned from the best

 

[Trogdor1123]

I don't understand the whole dating app thing. It happened after I was married so it is pretty tough to understand. I'm shocked people don't just talk to each other anymore

 

[JimmyRustler]

I don't understand the whole dating app thing. It happened after I was married so it is pretty tough to understand. I'm shocked people don't just talk to each other anymore

Same here and I'm not married. For the life of me I could never understand the appeal and it boggles my mind that apparently like 70% of couple bond like this today.

 

[Ownage]

There's certainly a convenience to dating apps. But the actual experience can be quite shitty. Meeting people in more traditional ways is probably better overall.

But the volume of people you can match with on dating apps and the fact that you can use them lying in your bed means they probably aren't going away.

A few years ago before I got married Hinge was easy AF to meet smart, single hot chicks for good times. Know your demographics tho. Avoid liberal chicks - many hate men.

 

[Valonquar]

18 years ago...

 

[Sub_Level]

I was in Belfast the other week on a session with some mates and the place was hiving with peeps of all ages, out drinking, socialising and chatting, whilst waiting on getting served at one bar I got easily chatting with the girl next to me and if single could've easily progressed it, alas I'm one of those old fashioned faithful chaps... Anyways maybe the ones complaining most about these dating apps just need to get the fuck out and actual approach human females a bit more

Europe is a lot more walkable & social. Americans are largely residing in suburbs and use their car to get everywhere. Its quiet and peaceful, but far less conducive to social interaction.

 

[p_xavier]

Europe is a lot more walkable & social. Americans are largely residing in suburbs and use their car to get everywhere. Its quiet and peaceful, but far less conducive to social interaction.

We have social Thursdays in my small Canadian town, hundreds of people meet up just to mingle. But the province wants to triple the town's population and with skyscrapers. It's crazy they'll destroy the town's spirit. I'm starting to get NIMBY now.

 

[DreamcastSkies]

I think this is a sensitive topic because some people have found their love through dating apps and other online means and I think these conversations can maybe feel like digs into something that led them to find love, but what is being described here as finding love more naturally, that attitude is something I've felt the prevalence online dating was going to lead to; wanting to go back to having faith you can live your life in a healthy way and naturally in-person opportunities would occur that introduced you to appealing people and opportunity to naturally form connections with those people. It's hard to find social environments that give you that opportunity though with what many would describe as a breakdown in community, more insular lives, and maybe lives are too spent too tied up at your job.

I think we need a cultural/social refreshment. I think some have faith that the Age of Aquarius will bring that. To some they support the view that we're in a fourth turning and if we can push through it, a new era will start. For others, maybe their view is more centered on Christian religion (or other religion) and they hope a higher power can heal society. I don't know what it will be but I hope and pray for a better world with stronger social capital to arrive.

I hope nothing I said was too political. I respect and like the no politics rule here.

A little side note: I wonder if our modern landscape is one reason Final Fantasy VII became the biggest Final Fantasy setting. It's a story about a breaking world, a declining middle class, and corporate greed leading to political corruption and harm to the planet. I think that general idea resonates with many people these days.

 

[I collect VHS tapes]

dating apps suck but LOL if they think dating via WoW is going to replace it

 

[Sonik]

Good, fuck these disgusting parasites that prey on people's misery and loneliness

 

[p_xavier]

I miss mIRC dating back in the simpler Internet days. It was far much easier to meet people.

 

[GateofD]

Where are my Chobits companions

 

[Queso de Grande]

A friend of mine met his wife through World of Warcraft. They have been together over 10 years now.

 

[Trogdor1123]

We have social Thursdays in my small Canadian town, hundreds of people meet up just to mingle. But the province wants to triple the town's population and with skyscrapers. It's crazy they'll destroy the town's spirit. I'm starting to get NIMBY now.

It's not just you. I live in Canada too and the whole densification push isn't something I support. I understand the value and don't think it's evil or anything but I don't like it or support it.

 

[Vaquilla]

I met my girlfriend through a dating app, but that was after 7 awful years of trying across like 5 different apps, so it was pretty much a case of even a broken clock being right twice a day. She is incredible though, so I can't say it wasn't worth it, but still.

That was 4 years ago now; I can't imagine how awful it must be today with much more sophisticated AI chatbots and aggressive monetization, must be an utter hellscape.

Funny thing is, she is actually a hardcore MMO player who's heavily into World of Warcraft, Final Fantasy 14, etc, so I guess I should be grateful she didn't met a dude on there lmao

 

[ForAcademicPurposes]

I'd have several matches today based on girls trying to get close to me in public.

And a dude that was on the verge of selling me ecstasy or tickets to Goodwood Festival of Speed.

 

[Woggleman]

I met every girlfriend and my wife in person. Never used a dating app.

 

[AJUMP23]

Get out and meet people. I am not sure where. Church is good.

 

[ForAcademicPurposes]

 

[lughnasadh123]

Even though I'm more lone wolf that just enjoys being left alone, it was actually kinda sweet hearing all the stories of people meeting their eventual wedding partner through games, most notably MMOs.

Personally, a more evolved sex doll, VR helm, and improved AI is the hassle free future I'm looking forward to most.

 

[Eirin]

It's not just you. I live in Canada too and the whole densification push isn't something I support. I understand the value and don't think it's evil or anything but I don't like it or support it.

I don't get why we don't build more major cities ._. I get it kinda, blah blah resources, money. But still. I love having the choice of Actually Nowhere or 1 of 5 major cities to live in.