A recent report by Ofcom shows a 16% decrease in online dating app usage between 2023 and 2024, with experts attributing the decline to factors such as detachment from reality, fatigue, and lack of transparency. This shift has led to 1.4 million people leaving online dating altogether, while queer-oriented apps have seen steady or increased use.
According to the Ofcom’s 2024 Online Nation report, there has been a significant decline in online dating app use between 2023 and 2024, with a drop of nearly 16% in the use of the top 10 most popular dating apps this year.
Experts attribute the decline to several factors:
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Sense of detachment from reality: Users feel that online dating is a chore rather than a social activity.
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Fatigue at the process: The process of swiping through profiles and messaging becomes tedious, leading to feelings of disconnection.
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Lack of transparency in business practices: Companies controlling the online dating market are seen as untransparent about their algorithms and business practices.
The decline in online dating app use has resulted in:
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1.4 million people leaving online dating in the past year: This suggests that users are turning away from online dating altogether.
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Increased comfort with sending abusive messages: The feeling of disconnection and anonymity behind a screen leads to a decrease in empathy for others.
Interestingly, while the appetite for virtual dating has fallen, queer-oriented apps have seen steady or increased use:
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Scruff experienced an increase in users: This app is designed for men seeking men and provides a safe space for those who may not feel comfortable in physical spaces.
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Grindr and Squirt saw smaller drops in users: These apps cater to the LGBTQ+ community, providing a place for experimentation and self-discovery.
The decline in online dating app use highlights the need for companies to re-evaluate their business practices and provide more transparent and user-friendly experiences.
