The UK’s communications regulator, Ofcom, recorded a decrease in traffic for top dating apps in 2023. Tinder lost around 600,000 individuals, and Hinge, Bumble, and Grindr also saw fewer participants.
Certain analysts think that endless swipes might not always create strong connections, prompting more interest in offline meetings. The regulator pointed out that around five million adults used digital dating in May, which equals around one in ten grown-ups.
Though overall figures in May mirror last year’s levels, a small dip is evident among younger participants.
Are People Spending Less?
Money data from the BMO Real Financial Progress Index special report shows that 67% of single individuals would not spend anything on dating platforms. Another 8% might go beyond £20 monthly.
Generational patterns differ. Around 7% of Gen Z and 14% of Millennials are open to higher monthly costs, whereas Gen X and Boomers show less willingness.
Many see free apps as enough to meet new people, especially if results are uncertain. Others prefer face-to-face gatherings and believe in saving funds for other goals.
Are Younger Daters Switching Methods?
Researchers at a northern university have tracked a move toward spontaneous social encounters. Students and recent graduates mention events, mutual friends, and group activities as popular ways to meet new partners.
Some individuals still use apps, but they also value real-world chemistry. The process can blend online chatting and in-person conversation.
Worries about safety do come up, especially for women who often share stories of unwelcome messages online. This factor is bringing a desire for safer, face-to-face encounters.
Is Offline Dating Gaining Ground?
Romantic stories about bumping into someone at a café or during a social event are catching attention on social media. Many find the idea of stumbling upon a partner more appealing than creating a profile.
Match Group, which runs Tinder, has acknowledged a slump among younger users. It hopes to craft more relaxed features that fit their tastes and let them connect casually.
Daters across all ages appear to keep apps handy while still welcoming personal introductions. The end result may be a world where technology and in-person contact complement each other. The BMO data and Ofcom findings both show that people are choosing multiple ways to seek companionship.
Many predict that online platforms will continue to hold a role, though face-to-face approaches are becoming more attractive. That change appears to please those who crave genuine moments. Time will tell how daters mix digital tools and in-person chemistry.
Do Experts Think Users Are Losing Faith In Dating Apps?
We spoke to experts to find out if people are losing trust in dating apps. Some believe interest is fading, especially among younger users who prefer meeting in real life. Others think dating apps still play a role, but users now approach them differently. Here’s what the experts think…
Our Experts:
Christopher Todd, Relationship Expert, USA
Princess Pitts Pierre, Founder and Editor, LoveHerStuff
Fernando Rojas, Founder, Ballroom.app
Dr. Marisa T. Cohen, PhD, Dating And Relationship Expert, Hily
Christopher Todd, Relationship Expert, USA
“The short answer is yes. When an online dating app user comes to me for help, they express their frustration with the constantly changing algorithm and the lack of matches they are getting. However, after I explain to the user how dating apps have changed and how they can improve their online profiles many clients have gotten great results. I hope to help restore in people who are losing faith in dating apps their confidence and knowledge of how these dating apps work to get successful results.”
Princess Pitts Pierre, Founder and Editor, LoveHerStuff
“It seems to me that dating apps lost their luster when women and men started becoming victims to schemes, scams and attacks (literally murders).
“In my time on dating apps, I met a few secretly married men, black women fetish-types, and men claiming to live locally but were actually foreign-based. The few in-person dates were duds, either not matching their profile picture, stats or being much weirder in person than on the app.
“Dating apps need to evolve a little more to compete with all the other, safer (free) options on the market. With the increase of AI software, it’s becoming harder to know if the conversation is genuine or if the photo and audio are real. People are just not interested in ‘joining’ an app to be preyed upon.”
Fernando Rojas, Founder, Ballroom.app
“Unequivocally yes, people are losing faith in dating apps. As someone who witnessed the evolution of dating apps platforms – from the text-heavy days of Plenty of Fish to the swipe-centric world of Tinder – I’ve observed a significant shift in how people view these services. As both a user and now a founder in this space, I’ve witnessed firsthand how people’s relationship with these apps has fundamentally changed.
“The initial promise of dating apps was compelling: they revolutionized how we meet potential partners, offering unprecedented access to connections beyond our immediate social circles. But somewhere along the way, something got lost. The modern digital landscape has exposed critical flaws in the traditional dating app model – authenticity has been sacrificed for convenience, and meaningful connections have been overshadowed by an overwhelming volume of superficial interactions.
“The problems run deeper than mere user fatigue. These platforms have become breeding grounds for scams, with fake profiles, financial exploitation, and catfishing becoming increasingly sophisticated. The aggressive monetization of basic features has turned finding connection into a costly endeavor, while static profiles and outdated photos fail to capture the dynamic nature of human personality.
“This broken system inspired me to create something different. Ballroom isn’t another dating app – it’s a social discovery platform that reimagines how people meet. We focus on authentic, hyper-local connections that happen in real-time.
“Our unique 24-hour format ensures that users are actively engaged and present, eliminating the problem of dormant profiles and outdated information. It’s not about dating in the traditional sense – it’s about facilitating genuine, spontaneous connections with people in your immediate vicinity.
“We’re seeing a clear shift in how younger generations approach meeting new people. They’re seeking alternatives that better reflect the spontaneity and authenticity of real-world connections, while leveraging technology to expand their social circles meaningfully. That’s exactly what we’re building with Ballroom – a platform that prioritises genuine human connection over algorithmic matches and endless scrolling.
“The dating app era is evolving, and I believe the future of digital connection lies in platforms that empower more organic, community-focused interactions. We’re proud to be leading this new wave of social discovery, bringing back the authenticity that’s been lost in how we meet online.”
Dr. Marisa T. Cohen, PhD, Dating And Relationship Expert, Hily
“The internal data of the dating app Hily shows that the number of registrations and active users grow from year to year. As of 2025, we have 35M downloads and 900K monthly active users. Moreover, we constantly receive feedback from our users that they met their partner on Hily and are happy together for years.
“So, it shows that dating apps are one of the great ways to meet people you otherwise may not have crossed paths with. Adjusting your approach and mindset can help with your experience of the process and keep you engaged. However, whether or not people choose to stick with the apps often has to do with the expectations they put on dating apps as the type of approach they are using.
“For instance, some people make it a goal to find their life partner right this moment and get frustrated when matches don’t work out. Treating every first date as a potentially last first date can be a harmful strategy. It’s better to treat dating as a fun process of meeting new people that may lead to finding a partner along the way. Also, you need to remember that dating apps require your input and cooperation to get results you are expecting.”
