Between 2023 and 2024, an estimated 1.4 million people left dating apps. Many of those did so because they saw the apps as ‘a chore’ or ‘like admin’, rather than a way of finding love.
During the same period, the top 10 most popular dating apps saw a 16% drop in use. Of these, Tinder saw the biggest loss, with more than half a million users abandoning the platform. This was followed by Bumble (-368,000 users) and Hinge (-131,000 users).
Why We’re Abandoning Apps
It looks like we’re falling out of love with dating apps for a variety of reasons, including a sense of detachment from reality and fatigue at the process (particularly repeated conversations).
Researchers from the University of Leeds believe that rather than being an exciting place to visit, these apps have actually become tedious, with many users seeing them as a chore. As a result, instead of developing meaningful connections, users instead feel like they’re doing admin.
But LGBT+ Apps See Growth
However, although the appetite for straight dating is undoubtedly fading, queer-oriented apps are still going strong. While Grindr and Squirt experienced drops in usership, these drops were much smaller than the ones seen in straight apps. Similarly, the only app that saw an increase in usership was Scruff, an app for men seeking men.
Researchers believe that, in the queer community, the continued use of dating apps shows that the apps are still incredibly accessible for those who may not feel safe being visible or ‘out’ in physical queer spaces. Similarly, it’s also thought that the apps are very effective at allowing people to experiment with their sexuality and better understand their preferences.
This is particularly the case for people who are questioning their sexuality and need a space to experiment outside of hetronormative spaces. The same can also be said for gay chat lines, which have also become popular in the last few years, in part due to the sense of anonymity they provide.
What’s the Future of Online Dating?
Although the popularity of online dating apps is undoubtedly fading, they retain a strong user base. After all, the 10 most popular dating apps in 2024 were still used by more than seven million people!
As a result, it’s clear that dating apps aren’t going anywhere. However, it’s also apparent that these apps must reinvent themselves and offer something different to users. Otherwise, their user base will continue to dwindle.
Looking to the future, these apps need to make the experience they offer feel both different and real to users. Otherwise, they will continue to look elsewhere.
