Tawkify Survey Reveals Hidden Time Costs For Singles

Tawkify has released a survey of dating app users over the past year, specifically gathering data on the time investments involved in finding matches. The data, compiled from active users across major platforms, exposes significant time investments with limited returns, fueling widespread fatigue and prompting many to step back.

Key findings highlight the inefficiency baked into the process. On average, users swipe 40 times before landing a match, with OkCupid requiring the most (45 swipes), followed closely by Coffee Meets Bagel (42), Grindr, and Bumble (41 each). Gen Z users fare slightly better at 34 swipes per match, possibly due to more selective habits or platform differences.

Beyond swiping, preparation and follow-through add up. Over 1 in 10 users spend 1–2 hours perfecting profiles alone. Once matched, messaging often outlasts dates: 76% report spending more time in chats than on the actual meetup, where first dates average about 105 minutes. Prep time compounds the drain, with 41% saying they’ve invested more effort getting ready than the date lasted, women averaging 67 minutes (45% more than men’s 46 minutes).

A striking 27% of users had zero first dates lead to second dates in the past year, while 45% experienced last-minute cancellations (highest on Grindr and Facebook Dating at 51%). Ghosting averages 4 times annually overall, rising to 5 for women. Nearly half of matches never progress to in-person meetings, and a third take a week or longer just to arrange one.

The emotional toll drives disengagement. Sixty-one percent say the time commitment makes them want to quit dating entirely, with 64% of Gen Z and 62% of Millennials feeling emotionally drained after a single week of activity. Half now view apps as a waste of time, explaining why 75% took a break in the past year (76% among Gen Z).