The love market sees new trends emerge every day. New romantic behaviors, new ways of dating, new ways of meeting (with dating apps, for example) – it’s constantly evolving to fit in with the lovers of its time. Recently, romantic relationship experts identified a new dating trend that will shape this year: speed dating. According to Eventbrite, the number of speed dating attendees across the Atlantic increased by 63% between 2021 and 2022, and by 30% between 2022 and 2023… Just that.
But what is Speed Dating? Also called a “minute meeting,” it consists of a series of very short conversations with different suitors that take place during the same day or evening, often in public places such as restaurants. The end of these express meetings is then announced by a bell or small bell, at the same time announcing the start of another meeting. The desire to continue or not with this or that profile is then revealed only at the end of the day/evening. If Gen Z singles aren’t necessarily familiar with this curious way of meeting, the concept is more familiar to their elders. Obviously since then it has been renewed and takes on different forms compared to the past. But why is it experiencing a resurgence in popularity? Explanations.
“Dating app fatigue” drives the popularity of speed dating
Specialists explain that the strong return of Speed dating it is caused by decline of dating apps. According to them, singles are tired, tired of this way of meeting virtually… Their words are also corroborated by a study carried out on the topic**: the latter states that 46% of those interviewed believe that their experience on Dating apps is generally very bad.
For these disenchanted singles it is above all the lack of sincerity of the users of these apps, about their true intentions, which leads to their deception. Faced with their disillusionment, Speed Dating presents itself as THE solution to bring some new enchantment to their encounters.
More chance of finding profiles looking for a serious relationship
If speed dating is experiencing a resurgence in popularity, it is also because it requires more commitment and investment than dating apps; A good way to filter non-serious profiles who want to meet people just to pass the time. In fact, it is often necessary to pay to access a Speed Dating session, while the apps are generally free: “Speed dating often requires more money and effort to attend. While this will likely dissuade some singles from trying it, it also means that those who invest in it are more likely to take it seriously. » explains a dating coach.
An opportunity for those who cannot shine online
Finally, Speed Dating allows those who don’t stand out in the virtual world to do so get noticed in real life. That’s why it attracts more and more singles. One woman who tested the phenomenon explains that this experience allowed her to consider people she probably would have overlooked online.
Sources:
*TREPANY, Charles, “Speed dating is making a comeback as Gen E abandons dating apps. We Shouldn’t Be Surprised,” USA Today, April 3, 2024
**VOGELS, Emily, MCCLAIN, Colleen, “Key Findings on Online Dating in the United States,” Pew Research Center, February 2, 2023
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Mary Crossley is an author at “The Fashion Vibes”. She is a seasoned journalist who is dedicated to delivering the latest news to her readers. With a keen sense of what’s important, Mary covers a wide range of topics, from politics to lifestyle and everything in between.
