Title: Young Singles Ditching Dating Apps for Real-Life Connections
In a world where dating apps have become the norm, more and more young singles are opting out of swiping left or right in favor of meeting people in real life. Alexa Valavicius, a 28-year-old teacher from Chicago, made the decision to delete Hinge and Bumble in 2021 after realizing that she couldn’t gauge someone’s energy through a profile.
Valavicius, who has never been in a relationship, believes that her ideal partner is someone who isn’t spending their free time on dating apps. She is not alone in her decision, as dating-app fatigue is becoming a common sentiment among Gen Z members. This shift is reflected in the struggles of major dating-app companies like Match Group and Bumble, who are finding it challenging to connect with younger daters.
Deja Chanel, a 25-year-old content creator from Nashville, also decided to delete her dating apps after feeling like she wasn’t being shown anyone she was actually attracted to. She found the experience transactional and unnatural, leading her to seek connections through other social platforms like Instagram and TikTok.
Travis Chen, a 25-year-old account executive from Seattle, soured on dating apps after experiencing moments of dishonesty and inauthenticity. He believes that the lockdown restlessness and overreliance on the internet during the pandemic contributed to his dating-app fatigue.
Despite the frustrations with dating apps, some individuals are giving them another chance. Clay Lute, a 23-year-old fashion merchandiser from Queens, recently redownloaded Hinge after taking a break due to swiping fatigue. He hopes that the upcoming summer will bring a different experience.
While the trend of leaving dating apps is growing, some like Chanel remain optimistic about meeting someone naturally. She believes that by putting herself out there, she can have meaningful connections like in the old days before social media.
As more young singles seek genuine connections, the shift away from dating apps may continue to grow. Whether it’s meeting someone at the grocery store or through social media, the desire for authentic relationships is driving this change in the dating landscape.
