It’s Official, Speed Dating Is So Back
Move over, dating apps.
Throughout the pandemic, virtual dates and dating apps were all the hype. But now that pandemic life is evolving, popular event platform Eventbrite, has seen a “63% surge in speed dating events hosted on the platform” compared to the prior year.
When we originally reported on speed dating in May of 2022, we suspected the official drop in dating app interest and suspected a speed dating comeback. As of 2024, it’s official: speed dating is so back.
Speed dating has undergone a facelift and become a hot commodity among many different communities. On Eventbrite’s platform, curious singles can find creative speed options like Tantra Speed Dating and other queer-inclusive collectives such as the Little Gay Book and Quirk Events. If you’re still not interested in IRL dating due to the pandemic, there are hundreds of virtual events, as well.
As we reported in 2022, “dating apps are dead” for Gen Z and Millenialls, so it makes sense that that their dating styles have shifted. Gen Z, known for its love of nostalgia marketing, also finds a special interest in speed dating as its high-paced and stimulating style is the complete opposite of its pandemic era.
However, despite age, speed dating has several benefits that dating apps simply can’t. For example, you can efficiently meet several people and truly weigh your options without putting all of your eggs in one basket or mindlessly swiping on a dating app.
For women, there are many social pressures that can discourage dating multiple people until you find the right mate(s). When speed dating, everyone you’re dating is open to exploring and seeing other people, to an extent. When you pair that with niche-based events such as kink and Tantra, you’re more likely to meet partners with similar interests. This can evoke a sense of community — unless you believe opposites attract.
If you’re over dating apps, make your way to Eventbrite to find your next speed dating event.
In other news, would you go on a five-hour date?