Dating Apps Are Definitely "Dead" But Gen Z Will Never Delete Them, Study Reveals
An expert unpacks Boston University’s latest study of dating app trends.
A new Boston University study highlights current dating app trends.
Last year, we reported that dating apps were canceled after the pandemic led people to find meaningful connections IRL. After chatting with our sex-positive community, we found that dating app fatigue was so widespread, that people were hiring others to swipe for them.
A new study, led by Kathryn Coduto at Boston University, confirms that dating apps are indeed done for – but not in the way that you’d think. According to the study’s press release, “Americans doubt dating apps are the best way to find a successful relationship and they certainly don’t trust them – but they’re apparently unwilling to give up on apps like Match, Tinder and Hinge in the search for their true soulmate.”
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Ironically, “for every one respondent who agreed that ‘dating apps are the best way to find a successful relationship these days,’ almost three disagreed.” Yet, 41% agreed that ”people can find their soulmates on a dating app.” Essentially, people don’t trust dating apps will lead them to true love, but, there appears to be a sliver of hope remaining.
Lead researcher Coduto says, “Dating apps feel like they have so much potential for the people who use them. There is a sense that the ideal person is just one swipe away so you can’t give up, because, ‘What if?’” She continues, “Dating apps still feel so easy. Your phone is with you all of the time; potential partners aren’t just a swipe away, but they are in your pocket. You don’t have to go out to find them.” As a result, “the ease can make it so hard to get rid of the apps.”
This raises the question: Is Gen Z optimistic about love or just addicted to the apps “game-playing” format? We’re unsure, but either way, dating apps are definitely here to stay – kinda.
