Dating IRL: The Trend of Deleting Dating Apps

Dating apps emerged as a solution to the challenges of modern romance, offering a convenient way to connect with potential partners in an increasingly busy world. Their popularity soared as they provided access to a larger pool of matches than traditional dating methods, with the convenience of browsing from anywhere at any time. At the peak of their social conversation, roughly ten years ago, dating apps generated over 6 million posts in a single month, demonstrating their cultural impact and widespread adoption.

Figure 1: Social Universe for dating app conversations, (Jan 1, 2025 - Nov 30, 2025); Infegy Social Dataset.

However, 2025 has marked a shift in this discussion. Conversation volume around dating apps has declined by only 1.9% throughout the year, signaling a slight cooling of enthusiasm for these platforms (Figure 2).

Figure 2: Volume graph for dating app conversations, (Jan 1, 2025 - Nov 30, 2025); Infegy Social Dataset.

However, within these conversations, one trending topic has emerged: people actively discussing deleting their accounts and leaving apps, and the push for organic connection. In a world where everything is curated, there is a movement to return to the past, to a time when real-life interactions were the norm for dating.

The Deleting the App Trend

A growing number of users are expressing fatigue with app-based dating culture. The desire to find someone naturally, through in-person interactions and organic connections, is driving many to abandon their digital dating profiles. This trend represents a backlash against the commodified nature of app-based romance and a yearning for more authentic relationship formation.

Social listening supports this movement away from dating apps. Rising Topics shows consistent complaints about app fatigue, with users expressing a desire for face-to-face connections and natural meetings over algorithm-based matching (Figure 3). With mentions of “soulmate organically” and scenarios in which a couple could meet. Particularly, a situation where a suitor would sit down next to the author of the post and happen to be reading the same book. A scene straight out of a Hallmark Christmas movie.

Figure 3: Rising topics for deleting dating app conversations, (January 1, 2025 - November 30, 2025); Infegy Social Dataset.

Female users, in particular, have been vocal about their experiences and frustrations with dating apps, as evidenced by the themes appearing in their conversations. Specifically discussing their wants, with the only positive topic being “yearning” (Figure 4). Yearning in this case points to a trend online of women wishing for men to genuinely pursue them. A Hinge, a major dating app,  spokesman told Wired “44 percent of Hinge daters say the most attractive part of a follow-up message is ‘expressing general enthusiasm or interest in the person.’” Not a boring response like seen mentioned in the female topic word cloud.

Figure 4: Female conversations surrounding dating apps word cloud, (January 1, 2025 - November 30, 2025); Infegy Social Dataset.

This exodus from dating platforms suggests that users are seeking alternative ways to meet potential partners, whether through social activities, mutual friends, or chance encounters in everyday life.

Conclusion

For businesses and marketers, this shift presents opportunities. Brands that facilitate in-person social experiences, from event venues to hobby-based communities, may find a more receptive audience. Dating app companies might consider pivoting their offerings toward features that support offline meetups or less-curated interactions. Listening to what your target audience is saying allows you to meet them where they are with relevant products and messaging.

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Key Takeaways

1. Dating app engagement is declining: Conversation volume around dating apps dropped 1.9% in 2025, indicating decreased enthusiasm for these platforms after years of growth.
   
   
2. Users are seeking authenticity: The trending topic of deleting dating apps reflects a broader desire to form relationships through organic, in-person connections rather than curated digital profiles.
   
   
3. Opportunity for offline experiences: The shift away from dating apps creates opportunities for businesses that facilitate in-person connections, from social venues to community events and hobby-based groups.