Gen Z Dating App Burnout Drives Surge in Matchmaker Interest
Dating app fatigue has reached a critical point for younger users, with recent data showing widespread emotional, mental, and physical exhaustion from swipe-based platforms. A Forbes Health survey from mid-2025 found that 78% of all dating app users experience this burnout to some degree, with Gen Z reporting the highest rates – often feeling drained more frequently than older groups. Women are particularly affected, with around 80% citing fatigue compared to 74% of men, driven by factors like lack of meaningful connections (40%), disappointment (35%), rejection (27%), and repetitive conversations (24%).
This disillusionment is fueling renewed interest in professional matchmaking services. Ahrefs search data indicates U.S. queries for “matchmaker” nearly doubled from an average of 2,370 monthly searches in January 2025 to nearly 4,930 by January 2026, with projections suggesting further growth to around 6,500 by mid-year – a 175% increase from early 2025 levels. The trend points to Gen Z seeking more curated, intentional alternatives to algorithm-driven matching.
Robyn Alesich, matchmaker at Sisterwives, observes: “Younger clients are reaching out in ways we simply didn’t see five years ago; they’re not anti-dating, they’re anti-burnout. For many, the problem isn’t a lack of matches; it’s too many, with too little meaning. Endless options create decision fatigue, while algorithms prioritise engagement over compatibility. The result equals conversations that fizzle, dates that go nowhere, and a growing sense that modern dating feels more like a second job than a romantic pursuit.”
Modern matchmaking has evolved beyond traditional stereotypes, functioning more like personalized dating strategy with expert filtering, guidance, and accountability. Alesich adds: “Perhaps the biggest driver behind this shift is intention. Gen Z daters are still young, but they’re not casual about connection… there’s less noise, fewer performative interactions, and more space for genuine chemistry to develop. Swiping teaches people to assess others in seconds; matchmaking slows that down.”
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