Swiping right in real life: Young singles seek offline dating
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Illustration: Maura Losch/Axios
Young people are increasingly seeking out in-person events to meet partners, per a June report from event management platform Eventbrite.
Why it matters: The shifting dating landscape follows diminished interest in dating apps and a recent boom in speed dating events.
- "This ongoing trend speaks to a broader societal shift where people are craving genuine connections and meaningful experiences tailored to their interests," Eventbrite said in the report released on Thursday.
By the numbers: Attendance at dating and singles events on Eventbrite increased 42% from 2022 to 2023.
- From May 2023 to April 2024, the platform saw more than 1.5 million searches for dating and singles events.
What they're saying: Swiping fatigue has led Gen Z and Millennials "to seek more authentic settings like social clubs and hobby groups in their search for potential partners," Eventbrite said.
- Nearly half of Gen Z participants surveyed said connecting with others who have shared interests is one of the biggest challenges of online dating, per Eventbrite.
State of play: Dating apps have lost their luster among college students, as their parent companies face hurdles on Wall Street.
- In-person dating events are going beyond speed dating, with trending Eventbrite meet-ups for singles including game-based nights and athletic gatherings.
- Interest- and hobby-based events have increased in popularity.
Between the lines: 41% of Gen Z participants said safety is a top concern when meeting online dates. Ideally, they want an introduction through mutual friends, per Eventbrite.
- Earlier this year, Tinder launched a safety feature that allows users to share date plans and match details with friends and family.
The fine print: The online survey, conducted between March 7-26, had 1,001 respondents in the U.S. who were compensated for their time.
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