As dating apps have become the default way to meet potential partners, a number of singles told the BBC they are seeking alternatives — favouring organised, in‑person events over prolonged online conversations. Many described being "fed up of swiping" and said that paying to attend a single event felt like better value than continuing multiple app subscriptions or investing weeks in chat that leads nowhere.
Attendees say the appeal lies in the immediate nature of meeting people face to face. Rather than relying on profile photos and messaging, events allow people to assess chemistry in real time, meet several potential matches in one evening, and avoid long stretches of ambiguous online interaction. For some, the structured setting reduces awkwardness and filters out time‑wasters who are not prepared to turn virtual interest into a real meeting.
Organisers of such gatherings have responded to demand with a range of formats, from speed‑dating and themed nights to larger social mixers. While these activities typically carry an entry fee, participants told the BBC they view the cost as a practical trade‑off: a single event that produces a genuine connection can replace months of app use that may yield few results.
The shift does not spell the end of digital matchmaking. Dating apps remain widely used and continue to evolve with new features aimed at encouraging in‑person meetups. However, the accounts gathered by the BBC suggest a notable appetite among some singles for experiences that prioritise immediate human contact over extended online screening.
For those feeling drained by the rhythm of swiping and endless messaging, in‑person events offer a different pathway — one that some say is more efficient, less anonymous and ultimately more satisfying. The trend highlights a continuing diversification of ways people seek partners in a landscape where both technology and real‑world encounters play roles.