Singapore is testing a dating app that gives users one match at a time and no swiping

The Singapore Government Technology Agency is currently piloting a dating service named FirstDate, which departs from the conventional swiping and endless browsing features of most dating apps. Instead, FirstDate presents users with a single potential match at a time. To become a part of this pilot, public officers between the ages of 21 and 35 must complete a questionnaire, after which they receive a proposed match.

Users then have 72 hours to decide whether they want to exchange contact details with their suggested match.

The core technology behind FirstDate is the Gale-Shapley algorithm, a well-established method for matching individuals based on their preferences while ensuring stable pairings. This approach is not new in the world of dating technology; it has been utilized in various other matchmaking systems such as school admissions and medical residency programs.

However, what sets FirstDate apart is its implementation within a tightly controlled service rather than a platform built on swiping, large user bases, and continuous interaction.

When a match is suggested, users receive a compatibility score, a brief introduction, and a personal note. Both users then receive a text message, and they must mutually accept the match by sharing their contact details. This unique structure fosters a different experience compared to mainstream dating applications, as users are encouraged to focus on a single recommendation rather than viewing dating as an endless stream of possibilities.

It is important to note that while the algorithm considers compatibility based on interests, values, and preferences, it cannot guarantee chemistry between two individuals. The primary objective of the algorithm is to facilitate an introduction rather than promising a relationship.

FirstDate also incorporates Singapore's national digital identity system, Singpass, for user verification. This step is aimed at minimizing fake profiles and impersonation. Furthermore, the service maintains privacy by keeping profiles visible only to the person they have been matched with, preventing users from browsing other members of the service.

The data collected through the service will adhere to government security standards, and it will not be sold or shared with third parties unless required or permitted by law. Users have the option to deactivate their accounts and request the removal of their data. Following a match, participants receive a short survey to provide feedback on whether they exchanged contact details and met in person.

This feedback will assist the government in understanding how the matching system influences actual dates versus accepted recommendations.

The introduction of FirstDate comes at a time when Singapore is experiencing a significant decline in births, with the total fertility rate dropping to 0.87 children per woman in 2025, down from 1.24 a decade earlier. The government has previously attempted to promote matchmaking through initiatives such as the Social Development Unit and its successor, the Social Development Network.

However, FirstDate represents a more technologically-driven approach, integrating identity verification, limited data sharing, and a unique matching algorithm in a service that prioritizes fewer introductions over an abundance of choices. The success of FirstDate beyond the pilot phase will hinge on the outcomes observed during the testing phase.