Dating Apps Decline as Gen Zers Prefer In-Person Meetups

Ilana Dunn, the host of the Seeing Other People podcast and former Hinge content lead, has predicted that dating apps are on the decline as younger generations, particularly Gen Zers and millennials, are increasingly opting for in-person meetups to find romantic partners. Dunn's insights come from her extensive experience in the dating industry, having worked at Hinge and now hosting a popular podcast focused on relationships.

Dunn's journey into the dating industry was not planned. After years of struggling with relationships and relying on dating apps, she decided to leave the music industry, where she had worked creating behind-the-scenes content for artists and bands. Her dating life had become a "complete dumpster fire," leading her to seek a change. She joined Hinge in 2018, seeing it as an opportunity to use her personal experiences to help others find meaningful connections.

During her time at Hinge, dating apps were at their peak popularity. The acquisition of Hinge by the Match Group in 2019 and the pandemic-induced dating boom further boosted the industry. However, Dunn's perspective has shifted over the years. She now believes that dating apps are struggling to meet the evolving expectations of younger generations, who are increasingly burnt out by the lack of genuine connections on these platforms.

Dunn's observations are supported by recent trends. More than 75% of Gen Zers feel exhausted by dating apps, and Match Group's financial results reflect a decline in profits and paid usership. This sentiment has led major dating-app brands to introduce new features aimed at enhancing user experience, such as encouraging double dating on Tinder. However, Dunn remains skeptical about the effectiveness of these changes.

Dunn argues that dating apps can only do so much to save the industry. She believes that the future of dating lies in in-person meetups and events, where people can assess chemistry and vibe in real life. This shift is evident in the growing interest in "meet-cutes" or meeting romantic partners in real-life settings. Dunn has even hosted a master class for the art of the meet-cute, emphasizing the importance of putting oneself in situations where genuine connections can be made.

As a dating coach, Dunn encourages people to use dating apps but also to explore other avenues for meeting potential partners. She advises setting small goals, such as striking up a conversation with someone new, and turning online conversations into in-person dates as soon as possible. Dunn's insights highlight the evolving landscape of dating, where in-person interactions are becoming increasingly valued over digital connections.