Dating app fatigue is 'real threat' as Gen Z are struggling to settle down

Dating apps emerged in the early 2010s and have since become the to-go method for people to connect with a potential partner. As of April 2025, 350 million people use dating apps worldwide, according to Business of Apps.

But before the online dating world took off, people typically met in real life, whether it was through mutual friends, work, or social gatherings. You’d have to approach someone directly at a café or a bar, but now, dating begins by simply swiping or liking someone's picture on Tinder or Hinge.

Dating has become increasingly difficult, and fewer people are interested in getting married and building a family. As reported by Cosmopolitan, 38% of young people said they were not interested in getting into a relationship or getting married because "it's no longer the first pivotal step in becoming an adult, and is instead an active choice that not everyone has to make to survive or thrive."

As a Gen Z, this is my new normal. Despite my parents getting married and having children at a young age, I'm not ready to commit to a long-term relationship yet, instead, I'd rather focus on enjoying my 20s and climbing the career ladder - and I'm not alone. Reports have revealed that approximately 75% of young people in the UK prioritise their career over romantic relationships or marriage, and travelling around the world before settling into the more serious stages of life.

But as soon as the time comes for wanting to find a life partner, challenges and changes in the dating space have made this feat a difficult one.

Gen Z and millennials have found themselves downloading dating apps such as Hinge, Tinder, Bumble, and Grindr. For the UK specifically, a 2024 study by Tinder found that its app was the most popular dating site for under-30s. While it may seem like the easiest way to find a partner, it's often not as straightforward as it seems.

After setting up a profile with your preferences, what comes after is the endless cycle of swiping through profiles. There are a lot of features on Tinder that allow users to select their relationship goals. For example, you can choose whether you're looking for a casual date, a life-partner, or just looking for friends. You can also adjust your preferences based on age, location, and interests.

Similarly, Hinge also allows users to set relationship preferences, including whether they're seeking a casual connection or a serious relationship. There also also prompts to start up conversations and break the ice.

Interestingly, Tinder reported that 75% of young people who are single think that their generation is challenging the dating experience and relationship standards that were passed down to them from previous generations. Another 69% agreed that dating standards need refreshing to fit a more modern and diverse society.

You'd be surprised to hear that some people have found long-term partners through dating apps. So technically, it's possible to find someone. However, for many, these platforms lead to frustration and disappointment, contributing to so-called 'dating app fatigue.'

'Dating app fatigue' refers to the exhaustion that comes from spending significant time on dating apps, ending up feeling discouraged. It begins from the constant swiping, endless profiles, lack of genuine connections, and simply rejecting people (or getting rejected).

According to Forbes, 79% of Gen Z users have reported experiencing dating app fatigue. The swipe interface is often blamed for this burnout because it promotes a sense that genuine connections are not being made. The endless cycle of superficial swipes doesn't allow for deeper, more meaningful interactions.

Despite the many features available on apps like Tinder and Hinge, many young people still find it hard to connect with others in a meaningful way. A Hinge user explained: "You talk to people, and most of the conversations don't go anywhere besides exchanging social media accounts. It's so hard to find someone these days."

"Dating in this generation is hard. Once you match with someone and think there’s a possibility of taking things further, there’s always something that ends up ending the conversation," the user continued, before adding: "Scrolling through countless profiles and not seeing anyone who fits your expectations or standards is definitely draining and feels hopeless you could scroll through a hundred profiles and not even like one. It gets tiring, and yes, the dating app fatigue is so real."

Dating apps are most popular among young adults, with 18% of people aged 18-24 using them compared to 25-35, with 17%, Ofcom reported. However, many feel that people aren’t "serious enough" and are just "looking to have fun," a Tinder user expressed.

She stated: "It's harder to settle down because hook up culture is becoming more normalised and pushed onto younger people. We're told to 'live our lives,' and hooking up is often portrayed as the easiest way to do so without responsibilities and guilt."

Sharing their experience, another Tinder user commented: "As generations change, so do their intentions. Fewer people are seeking commitment because it's no longer seen as necessary, and society's views on relationships are shifting."

Describing her experience as "disappointing," she added: "Instead of being a dating app for actually dating, it's used to meet people for hook ups. It definitely takes away the purpose of the app, instantly making you question all of the matches that you make. People aren't serious enough and just want to have fun."

A Tinder spokesperson told The Mirror that Gen Z are on the look out for authenticity in a new partner, with value-based qualities like loyalty, respect, and open-mindedness being more important than looks.

However, Paul C. Brunson, Tinder’s Global Expert in Relationship Insights thinks that Gen Z will have the most successful marriages yet. Personal development, emotional well-being, and clear communication in relationships are priorities for Gen Z, which leads to stronger and healthier marriages.

While some may find success on dating platforms, for others, finding a true connection feels impossible. Although technology offers endless ways to meet new people, real connections are still rare. But, as the digital landscape becomes oversaturated, many are choosing to focus on real-life encounters and personal growth, hoping that true connections will follow naturally.