Found love in a hopeless place?

Shine a light through an open door

The dating landscape has undergone a huge shift in recent years, with dating apps revolutionising how people form romantic connections. 

Author Liam Chadwick

As of 2024, the global dating app market is valued at £7.1 billion, a clear testament to its growing popularity. This rise can be attributed to a combination of technological advancements, changing societal norms, and the global pandemic that redefined how we socialise.

The Growth of Dating Apps in Numbers

Statistical insights paint a vivid picture of the dating app boom. In the UK alone, over 10 million adults have used dating apps at some point, accounting for nearly 20% of the population. Globally, there are approximately 366 million dating app users, with Tinder leading the charge, boasting 75 million active users monthly. Bumble and Hinge follow closely, appealing to diverse demographics.

Over the last few years, there has been an even sharper rise in adoption rates. In 2020, Tinder reported a 39% increase in swipes, reaching an astonishing 3 billion swipes daily at its peak. Video dating also surged, with apps like Bumble and Hinge introducing integrated video call features, making remote dating a viable option.

Why Dating Apps Are Thriving

One of the primary reasons behind this growth is convenience. Dating apps allow users to meet potential partners without geographical or time constraints, leveraging sophisticated algorithms to match individuals based on shared interests and compatibility. For instance, Bumble empowers women by giving them control to initiate conversations, while niche platforms like EliteSingles cater to professionals seeking serious relationships.

Additionally, societal norms around online dating have shifted significantly. In 2023, Pew Research reported that 60% of respondents viewed online dating as a good way to meet people, compared to just 44% in 2013. This reflects a growing acceptance of digital platforms as legitimate avenues for finding love.

Success Stories and Challenges

While dating apps have facilitated millions of relationships, they’re not without challenges. For many, the sheer volume of options can lead to “dating fatigue,” and instances of catfishing or ghosting remain prevalent. However, apps are actively addressing these concerns. Tinder, for example, introduced a background check feature to enhance user safety, while Hinge’s "Your Turn" feature encourages users to maintain active conversations.

We asked several people what they thought of it.

Liam, a 28-year-old male from Oldham, said: "I don't mind it. It's increasingly becoming the way that people my age start new relationships."

Sophie, a 28-year-old female from Rochdale, said she doesn't like them and actually prefers "to meet people the old-fashioned way." 

The Future of Dating

The future looks bright for dating apps. Artificial intelligence is set to play a bigger role, with platforms using machine learning to refine matches and predict compatibility more accurately. Augmented reality (AR) dates and hyper-personalised matchmaking are also on the horizon, promising a richer user experience.

In conclusion, dating apps have firmly embedded themselves into the fabric of modern relationships. With growing user bases, enhanced features, and societal acceptance, they continue to shape how people connect and form lasting bonds in an increasingly digital world.