Ten years ago, dating online raised scepticism and caution for many. Today, virtual encounters have become as normal as meeting someone at work, in a café, or at parties. Millions of couples around the world have found each other, thanks to dating apps. The number of relationships that started with a right swipe continues to grow each year.
However, in the last couple of years, the popularity of dating apps has started to decline rapidly. Young people are deleting Tinder, Bumble, and other similar apps from their smartphones regularly and are returning to the good old ways of dating; in real life.
From hype to disappointment
When dating apps first appeared on the market, they created a real sensation. An enormous number of potential partners; just a click away, you have the ability to communicate at any time of the day or night; this thrilled lonely hearts. The apps promised their users the chance to find true love, and many believed in it genuinely.
As time passed and the situation began to change. What was intended as a platform for finding serious relationships gradually turned into something different. More often, users complain about the superficiality of communication, fake profiles, and the fact that the real goals of chat partners are different from those stated in the profile. Despite all the efforts of developers, sales of premium subscriptions continued to fall. It seemed as if the improved matchmaking algorithms and new features were not enough to keep disappointed users. What went wrong? Let's figure it out together.
Reasons for the decline in popularity of dating apps
The first reason is paradoxically; the abundance of choice. This phenomenon has been dubbed the “Netflix effect.” You probably know how difficult it can be to choose a movie when there are too many options. The same thing happens with dating apps. When faced with hundreds of profiles, we start to view people like a list of movies in a catalogue; this one doesn't fit, that one has a strange smile, and this one doesn't have a good profile description. As a result, no one seems “good enough,” and the search turns into an endless race for an ideal that may not exist.
Moreover, the abundance of options leads to thoughts about the possibility of finding someone better. Even if we come across an interesting person, we often hesitate in trying to know them better and build a relationship. This is because the idea has already taken root in our minds that there are many more intriguing candidates waiting for us in the app.
Another reason is fatigue. Prolonged use of dating apps can be exhausting. Hundreds of similar conversations make people lose interest. Many are tired of starting over with each new acquaintance and spending time on communication that often leads nowhere. Additionally, rejection or being ignored in apps is often felt just as acutely as in real life. This can hurt self-esteem and cause emotional distress. Therefore, it’s not surprising that over time, users begin to avoid such feelings and delete the app.
Another serious issue is the discrepancy between photos and reality. People tend to choose their best pictures, use filters, and retouch images. When they meet in person, it turns out that the person looks different from their profile. This leads to disappointment and decreases trust in online dating.
In addition to appearance, the issue extends to the information people provide about themselves. Some embellish their achievements, others hide important facts (such as being in a relationship), and some create fake profiles about themselves. As a result, users increasingly prefer to meet people in person to see their true selves right away.
Live video chat — a high-demand alternative
One of the most interesting solutions was videochats. These platforms allow people to meet in real time via video. Below are just a few reasons why random video chats have an advantage over traditional dating services:
Video chats have their disadvantages too. For a long time, a key issue was poor moderation. Users often encountered fake accounts or inappropriate content. However, today, the situation has improved significantly, thanks to new technologies and effective moderation.
One of the best examples of a modern, safe live video chat with girls is CooMeet. Unlike older platforms, it has strict moderation. Additionally, every user must register and verify their identity. As a result, this service has no fake accounts or bots, only real people interested in communication. Moreover, the focus here is on dating; the system connects users with the opposite gender only. It's an excellent choice for romantic dating!
What’s next?
The popularity of dating apps is declining, but that doesn't mean people have stopped searching for love. Many are simply realising that face-to-face communication is a more natural and reliable way to form relationships. Interactions within friend circles, events, and hobbies are becoming the main “venues” for dating today.
Also, many are turning to video chats, as they address the key issues associated with dating services. Certainly, this format isn't for everyone, but for those who are tired of swiping and messaging endlessly. It offers a great alternative.
