Ghosting, breadcrumbing, one-night stands: are we done with dating apps?
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This episode is titled:
Ghosting, breadcrumbing, one-night stands: are we done with dating apps?
Notable Quotes
"I'm writing to you because I can't cope with the apps anymore."
"The apps have an incentive to keep you single, essentially."
"It's comforting to sit around a bitch with your girlfriends about how men are all shit."

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Get More InsightsEpisode Summary
In this episode, The Guardian discusses why dating apps have lost their appeal, marked by a significant decline in user engagement. Many Gen Z individuals experience dating app burnout, with about 1.4 million people in the UK leaving the online dating scene this past year. The conversation recounts personal stories, including an odd street encounter that led to reflections on the state of dating today.
Kitty Drake, a producer at The Guardian, shares her experiences with dating apps, noting that many prospective applicants for the newspaper's blind date column express frustration with the limitations of these platforms. Participants feel overwhelmed by options and often perceive potential partners as disposable due to online dynamics. This leads to increased ghosting, breadcrumbing, and a general sense of detachment from traditional dating norms.
Dating apps such as Tinder, Bumble, and Hinge have also experienced sizeable user losses, prompting discussions around financial pressures and their impact on user experience. As dissatisfaction rises, people are increasingly seeking offline connections, with a noticeable uptick in applicants for traditional matchmaking services and a resurgence in events like speed dating and singles nights. The episode concludes with reflections on how dating apps fundamentally change our approach to relationships and the importance of having an open mind while dating, whether online or offline.
Kitty Drake, a producer at The Guardian, shares her experiences with dating apps, noting that many prospective applicants for the newspaper's blind date column express frustration with the limitations of these platforms. Participants feel overwhelmed by options and often perceive potential partners as disposable due to online dynamics. This leads to increased ghosting, breadcrumbing, and a general sense of detachment from traditional dating norms.
Dating apps such as Tinder, Bumble, and Hinge have also experienced sizeable user losses, prompting discussions around financial pressures and their impact on user experience. As dissatisfaction rises, people are increasingly seeking offline connections, with a noticeable uptick in applicants for traditional matchmaking services and a resurgence in events like speed dating and singles nights. The episode concludes with reflections on how dating apps fundamentally change our approach to relationships and the importance of having an open mind while dating, whether online or offline.
Key Takeaways
- Dating apps have seen a significant decline in user engagement, with many users fleeing due to burnout and dissatisfaction.
- There is a growing trend toward offline dating as people seek more genuine connections.
- Participants often feel disposable in online interactions, leading to increased ghosting and a lack of accountability.
- Financial pressures on dating apps have led to changes in their business models, affecting user experiences.
- Having an open mind and adjusting expectations can improve one's dating experience.
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