In 2021, Jocelyn was ready to get back on dating apps.
Even if they didnt lead to lasting love, shed have fun exploring her options.
I wasnt experiencing any of that, says Jocelyn, now 28.
After these dates I was actually like, I could have stayed home and done nothing.
A 2023 survey of college and graduate students found79% dont use dating appseven once a month.
The Golden Age Is Over
Since their inception, dating apps have been a largely millennial endeavor.
What started with Grindr in 2009 went mainstream with Tinder in 2012.
Their initial conceits were simple: find nearby singles on your phone.
Apps like Lex, Her, Scruff, and Feeld cater to LGBTQIA+ and nonmonogamous daters.
Now, however, the novelty has worn off.
Millennials still toiling away on the apps are getting fatigued.
Theres a feeling among current singles that the golden era has passed.
Id Rather Be Single Forever
Have the apps innovated too close to the sun?
However, swipers appear reluctant to fork up.
Rose Jail Gatekeeps The Hot People
Hinges rose feature, in particular, has frustrated users.
Users get one free rose to send per week, regardless of whether they pay a subscription.
Rose jail gatekeeps the hot people on Hinge, Hannah, 26, says.
Looking at the Standouts section, the men all have jobs, families, and great teeth.
The same cant be said for my regular feed.
Hinge isnt designed to be deleted.
A Hinge spokesperson disputes this.
Apps Are Trying To Pivot
But frustration runs deeper than just an unwillingness to pay.
Dating apps may be facing the consequences of a culture they helped create.
Appealing to Gen Z also means embracing the causes they care about, Hobley says.
Archer, a dating app for gay, bi, and queer men, launched in 2023. says Michael Kaye, director of brand marketing and communications at Archer and OkCupid.
The platform lets users meet friends and post their own content, like responding to prompts and sharing pictures.
I think our approach is working because were seeing a younger demographic come into the app, Kaye says.
Over 40% of our users already are under 30 years old.
Dont Blame It All On The Apps
Its not just apps that need to change.
Some dating experts feel users shoulder some responsibility for their issues, and need an attitude adjustment.
Spoiled for choice, they say singles are being too picky.
You wouldnt apply for a job with a resume that says just ask me, Hobley says.
