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Speed dating gains traction among younger singles
Face-to-face matchmaking events are seeing a resurgence as Gen Z grows weary of digital dating fatigue, industry figures and experts say.
Why the shift away from apps?
After a decade of dominance, online dating platforms are losing users in the UK. A recent Ofcom report revealed that the four most popular apps-Tinder, Hinge, Bumble, and Grindr-all saw declines in active users between May 2023 and May 2024. Tinder's user base dropped by 23%, while Bumble and Hinge experienced falls of 26% and 9%, respectively.
Psychologist Mariko Visserman, who studies romantic relationships at the University of Sussex, attributed the decline to "choice overload" and dating burnout. "Swiping through endless profiles drains energy," he said. "Research also shows that what people think they want in a partner often doesn't match who they actually connect with."
How speed dating works
Speed dating offers a low-pressure alternative, allowing singles to meet potential partners in short, timed conversations. Traditional events give participants three minutes per match, but newer formats like Slow Dating extend the window to four minutes.
Lissy Cleminson, a representative for Slow Dating, said demand for in-person events has grown steadily, with a 12% annual increase in planned gatherings over the past four years. "People don't want to waste weeks figuring out if someone's profile matches reality," she said.
Firsthand experiences
Attendees at a recent Hampshire event told the BBC that offline dating provided a refreshing change. Tom, from Portsmouth, called it "a great way to meet new people" and encouraged others to try it. "Just be yourself and let things unfold naturally," he said.
Sam, from Winchester, described modern dating as "tiresome" and praised speed dating for its efficiency. "You don't need hours to get a sense of someone's vibe," she said. "A few minutes is enough to pick up on personality and mannerisms."
Expert advice
Visserman endorsed the trend, calling speed dating an "efficient" way to connect face-to-face. "Try to move online interactions offline as quickly as possible," he advised. "Apps can be useful, but it's up to us how we use them."
By the numbers
- 4.8 million people used online dating services in the UK in May 2024 (Ofcom).
- Tinder lost 23% of its UK users in the past year.
- Slow Dating has seen a 12% annual rise in event bookings for four consecutive years.
