Research Finds that Gen Z Dating Site Users are The Minority

In recent months, multiple studies have hinted that younger users are becoming increasingly less interested in conventional dating apps are losing their appeal with Gen Z. Recent research shows that only 26% of online dating service users are aged 18 to 29, signaling a shift away from digital matchmaking. Instead, younger generations are returning to traditional methods of meeting potential partners—through friends, daily interactions, and social events.

The pandemic initially boosted app usage, with platforms like Tinder seeing record activity. However, post-pandemic, in-person interactions are taking priority. An Eventbrite survey found that nearly 50% of Gen Z prefers meeting partners through mutual friends, while a third hope to connect during everyday routines.

This trend reflects a desire for deeper, more authentic connections and a pushback against the commercialization of dating apps, which many feel prioritize profits over genuine matchmaking. On top of that, there has been a lot of talk of “dating fatigue”, a phenomenon that has driven more and more users to alternative dating platforms – showing that this problem may be solvable if platforms are willing to make big changes to the conventional dating app structure.