Adding to these concerns is the rise of dating fatigue, fuelled by the ephemerality and relative anonymity of app interactions. This often leads to unhinged behaviour that wouldn’t be acceptable in a social setting, whether it’s pestering someone for a meet- (or hook-) up, ghosting after a date or sending a barrage of follow-up messages after just minutes of no reply.

Dating apps can become a wasteland of unhealed individuals who don’t feel the need to do the work on themselves, since they can simply swipe right and move on to the next person without pausing to consider their own role in the patterns they experience.

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However, the issues go deeper than just superficiality. Safety concerns, particularly for women, are a major deterrent. Headlines about financial scams, assault and even murder linked to dating apps, though rare, fuel anxieties. While apps have increased security features, it’s often not enough to alleviate these fears.

Trust is further eroded by the prevalence of deception and bad behaviour. In the US, Tinder found that a staggering 65 per cent of users were in a relationship or married. Closer to home, a YouGov survey in Singapore revealed that 27 per cent of respondents worried about being “catfished” or encountering fake profiles.

Read more: Coffee Meets Bagel’s Dawoon Kang on online dating and how she met her current partner on the app
 

Beyond the flaws of the apps themselves, societal shifts are also contributing to the exodus. In Asia, a growing number of individuals are choosing to be single. In China, 44 per cent of unmarried urban young women don’t plan to marry, while in Taiwan, 43.4 per cent wish to delay or forgo marriage altogether, often citing financial challenges and the desire to prioritise their careers.

This shift reflects a broader trend of prioritising personal fulfilment and autonomy. And with this shift comes a renewed interest in alternatives to app-driven dating.

Read more: Connected yet isolated: Why are Asians feeling lonelier than ever?

This desire for authenticity is fuelling a resurgence of more traditional approaches to dating, often with a distinctly Asian flavour. Apps like Yuzu, specifically designed for Southeast Asians, and Dil Mil, catering to the Indian community, are gaining popularity. These platforms recognise the importance of cultural background and shared values in fostering successful relationships.

Matchmaking services are making a comeback, but with a modern twist. Today’s matchmakers leverage technology, like personality assessments and sophisticated databases, alongside traditional intuition.

They offer personalised services, in-depth screening and focus on long-term compatibility, appealing to those tired of app-driven superficiality. 

Read more: Find your next date like Bling Empire’s Tina Leung at these matchmaking agencies

In-person events are also being reimagined, moving beyond speed dating to offer more creative and engaging experiences. 

In Singapore, organisations like Date My Friend, Lunch Actually and iDatings organise such events, creating opportunities for face-to-face connection.

Date My Friend, for example, takes a tongue-in-cheek approach, where friends “pitch” their single pals to potential matches, adding a fun and social element to the dating scene.

These approaches combat app fatigue by offering a more intentional and curated experience. And most importantly, they satisfy the innate human need for genuine connection in an increasingly digital world.

While dating apps aren’t disappearing anytime soon, it’s clear that the initial excitement has waned. People are craving more meaningful connections, greater authenticity and increased safety. Whether this leads to a complete overhaul of the online dating landscape or a resurgence of traditional methods, one thing is certain: the quest for love in the digital age is evolving.

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