With the promise of quick and passionate encounters. Today, dating platforms have become almost as common as the phrase “Hey, stranger.” What once seemed like the solution for modern loneliness has transformed into a circuit of curated profiles and mostly soulless conversations. So, is the magic of digital love in decline?

Let’s rewind a bit. When dating apps began to boom, far from the Uol chat rooms, in 2012, when Tinder launched, the promise was simple: to connect people. No one talked about algorithms or gamification. It was about a screen full of faces and one single goal: to find that special someone, or at least company for the weekend. The concept seemed revolutionary and romantic—a swipe, a touch, and destiny was set.

As dating apps grew in popularity, a new type of relationship emerged: one that depends on our ability to sell the best version of ourselves in a confined space, with a photo and a few-character description.

But while many still find success and even love through these platforms, others have started to question the effectiveness and authenticity of virtual interactions. In recent years, dating apps have been seen as the revolution of flirting. Tinder, Bumble, Grindr, and others entered the scene with promises of quick encounters and love at first swipe.

According to a 2023 market intelligence survey by Savanta, 9 out of 10 Gen Z individuals are moving away from dating apps. What started as a search for quick connections has turned into a series of disappointments, frustrations, and well… dating burnout. The reason? Simple: frustration, insecurity, and, of course, the superficiality of available profiles.