‘I’m fed up of swiping’: Why singles now want to meet IRL

A growing number of singles are experiencing app fatigue and turning away from digital platforms to embrace in-real-life dating events. According to a recent BBC report, daters are increasingly exhausted by endless swiping and limited digital profiles, opting instead for face-to-face encounters.

At a dating event held in a Guildford bar, attendees like 28-year-old Olivia Miller-Davis expressed frustration with judging potential partners based on limited information and a couple of pictures. Data from online regulator Ofcom shows that while 11% of adults use dating sites, the time spent on them has dropped from a peak of nearly four hours a month in 2023 to three hours last year.

The Rise of In-Real-Life Dating Events

Many participants feel that apps are deliberately designed to keep users single rather than help them find long-term partners. Edward, another attendee at the Guildford gathering, noted that apps are structured so that users keep coming back forever. Lissy Cleminson, director of events at Love at First Sign, attributes part of this shift to increased home working since the Covid pandemic, which has reduced spontaneous office and commute romances.

Social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram have amplified this trend through accounts dedicated to reviewing offline gatherings. Entrepreneur Candice Gallagher, who attended 10 dating events in 10 weeks and runs the account @Candilicious, argued that these events deliver a much greater return on investment than digital platforms. She pointed out that online interactions frequently devolve into chat graveyards, whereas offline events ensure everyone is single and ready to mingle.

Economic Factors and App Adaptations

Cost is another significant driver behind the shift toward live gatherings. Events typically range from £15 to £30, often including a drink and an icebreaking activity, providing a cost-effective way to meet multiple people. Research from Barclays indicates that rising living costs have altered how people date, with studies showing that monthly expenses related to dating can total around £130.

Despite the growing preference for offline experiences, major tech companies maintain that digital platforms remain essential. Match Group research indicates that 20% of surveyed singles met their most recent partner on a dating app, compared to just 4% of Gen Z who met partners at a pub, bar, or club, down from 21% among baby boomers. Chine Mmegwa, head of strategy, corporate development and operations at Match Group, explained that Tinder has introduced new features, including astrology tools, double-date modes, and real-world events, to bridge the gap between digital and physical dating.

Source: 'I'm fed up of swiping': Why singles now want to meet IRL (source-feed timestamp 2026-10-19T23:00:21+00:00). AI-assisted report based on the cited linked article and its RSS feed; details were not independently verified.