Image credit: Madi Chantry

In 2026, Bored of Dating Apps (BODA) conducted a study with over 10,000 UK single people aged 21-45. They found that 81% of individuals want to delete their dating apps in 2026, and the reasons behind this are quite simple: Ghosting and situationships are out, and chemistry and connection are in. 

In my recent survey about the longing to meet someone organically, respondents’ ideal ‘meet-cutes’ would be connecting with someone in a book shop, café, a friend’s party, or a bar. When asked why they would prefer to meet in person rather than online, the consensus was that dating apps reinforce the “swipe left/right” mentality, essentially basing your interests on a perfectly curated profile, which shows off the best qualities of a person. There is also an inclination towards ‘hookup culture’ because of dating apps, and so it is harder for people looking for love to sift through the ocean of those only wanting a ‘booty call’. One person even said, “Dating apps have killed the dating pool.” And you know what? I completely agree. 

But why do people want to use dating apps anyway? Since Covid-19, phone addictions and screen time usage has surged drastically, making individuals more likely to rely on their devices. In doing so, not only are phones used for work and social connection, but they are now used to increase access to the pool of potential partners outside of their immediate relationships. This might be more convenient for some because of how time-consuming finding a partner actually is. Not only that, but dating apps also allow filters whereby people can say whether they want something casual, a short-term relationship, a long-term relationship, or even just a friendship. Another reason dating apps are so popular is because there is a lot of pressure on people finding someone to date; your parents might be asking, “Well, when are you going to put yourself out there and find someone?” Or maybe all of your friends have already met their long-term partner, and you’re just wondering when you will too. Online dating removes this barrier, and within just a few clicks, you’re suddenly talking to five different people. 

The thing is, though, online dating removes the chance of unintentionally finding your partner. If you’re constantly swiping left or right on artificial profiles, you’ll end up missing who is right in front of you. If you feel like you have lost all hope of meeting your person in real life and have resorted to online dating, let me tell you something: I met my boyfriend in Benidorm, Spain. It was my last night, and his first night. Neither of us had set out to fall in love; it was purely serendipitous. Now, some of you may be thinking, “They met in a place where one-night stands occur,  no way they’re still together,” or maybe even, “Yeah, but I bet they don’t live near each other, though.” Well, we live about 30 minutes from each other, have mutual friends, and are already a year into our relationship, with two locations booked to go away together. What are the chances? Sure, I’ve spent my time on dating apps, but nothing serious ever came from them. After I deleted them and started focusing on myself, instead of seeking out someone to talk to for a short while, I ended up falling in love with someone who truly gets me. 

The bottom line is that online dating cannot replicate the accidental and exciting ways of meeting your soulmate in person. I know it’s hard to believe unless you’ve experienced it, but love truly does come when you least expect it. Yes, dating apps can be fun temporarily, and some people do meet their partners through them, but don’t give up hope of meeting your future partner physically. 

I know that movies and TV shows romanticise and exaggerate meet-cutes, but if I can meet my boyfriend in a pub in Benidorm, then you can definitely meet your partner in a book shop, café, a friend’s party, or a pub. Trust me, it’s going to happen, only as long as you put your phone away and get out into the real world. You never know, your true love might be right around the corner.