Dating Apps Double as Friendship Tools, 21% Replace IRL Friends

A new survey conducted by Indian dating platform QuackQuack sheds light on a rising trend: platonic relationships formed on dating apps are increasingly replacing traditional real-life best friendships. According to the findings, 2 in 7 users reported meeting close friends through dating apps, maintaining these relationships primarily through text-based communication. Notably, 21% of participants described these online friendships as entirely platonic, often substituting for real-world friendships lost to relocation, work pressures, or social burnout.

QuackQuack CEO Ravi Mittal remarked, “Our survey showed that about 21% of users find entirely platonic friends online, some even replacing real-life friends who are too busy. With hectic work, social fatigue, and frequent moves abroad, many lack energy for high-effort friendships. Whereas, online friendships are low-effort, high-reward.” QuackQuack’s 2025 dating trends report, released at the start of this year, also emphasised that many users put friendship first and consider romance a second priority, even on dating platforms.

Gen Z emerged as the primary driver of the trend, with 27% regularly maintaining purely platonic online relationships. Millennials followed, particularly those who have moved away from their hometowns. Women appeared more open to app-based friendships than men, who were generally more romance-focused.

However, skepticism remains. Only 7% of users over 35 reported interest in online-only friendships, citing a lack of emotional depth and a preference for in-person connection. Some users also expressed concerns about blurred boundaries, where platonic texting can shift into romantic territory, creating confusion or tension.