Young Singles Embrace In-Person Dating as an Alternative to Apps

Maxine Williams runs We Met IRL, an organization that arranges mixers and speed-dating gatherings for young adults seeking romantic connections away from the dating apps that have dominated their social lives. To many of her contemporaries, the idea of meeting a partner offline seems like a distant fantasy, reminiscent of romantic movies, Ms. Williams, 29, explained.

“People crave a genuine meet-cute,” she said. Yet, the initial moments at these events are often far from cinematic. While attendees are eager for face-to-face interactions, many find the experience unexpectedly awkward.

“It’s tough,” she remarked. “There’s a clear divide—men on one side, women on the other—which can feel a lot like middle school all over again.”

There is clear evidence that singles are increasingly seeking offline ways to meet potential partners, returning to dating traditions that predate the digital era. Many users are experiencing burnout from dating apps, which are also facing challenges in maintaining user engagement, especially among younger demographics. Since 2021, major dating platforms have seen a combined market value drop exceeding $40 billion. Headlines proclaim the death of swipe culture, signaling a shift toward more deliberate and purposeful dating.

However, pursuing romantic connections in person remains a complex endeavor, particularly for those accustomed to having a seemingly endless array of prospects at their fingertips.

“These individuals find themselves caught between two worlds,” said Melissa Divaris Thompson, a marriage and family therapist based in New York City. “The online dating environment often feels unfulfilling, while meeting someone in real life can evoke a strong sense of vulnerability.”