Dating apps are trying to cure swiping fatigue with pickleball, trivia nights, and fewer chats

Dating apps are shifting their focus from endless swiping to real-world connections, as users report feeling fatigued from the swiping process. Tinder, the original dating app, has introduced an Events feature that allows users to engage in activities they enjoy, such as pickleball, trivia, sauna and cold plunge sessions. The company has expanded this feature to 20 cities, both in the U.S. and Europe, and has partnered with companies like City Pickle, Joust, and Othership to facilitate these activities.

By providing a natural starting point and reducing the pressure of meeting someone new, Tinder hopes to break the "dating event" label and create a more relaxed environment for potential matches. Similarly, Bumble, another established dating app, has also expanded its reach beyond swipes and messages by hosting singles mixers in bars across New York, a rooftop party in Nashville, and an event with Barstool Sports’ Tommy Smokes in Boston.

Bumble's spokesperson emphasized the company's commitment to bridging the gap between online connections and in-person meetings. In addition to dating apps, Gen Z and other young people have turned to in-person activities like run clubs to foster community and potential romantic connections. Run club participation has grown by 59% over the past two years, indicating a shift towards more low-pressure social interactions.

However, as user numbers for dating apps have declined, swipe fatigue may be partly to blame. A recent study found that 58% of respondents had deleted a dating app due to its emotional drain, and 44% preferred to meet someone in a low-pressure setting. A new dating app, Breeze, has emerged to address this issue by encouraging users to meet in real life rather than through endless swiping.

Breeze charges by date, limits profile visibility, and organizes users to meet at partner venues, aiming to create more meaningful connections in a shorter amount of time.