Gen Z Critiques Dating Apps: ‘Superficial’ and ‘Unhealthy’

New research reveals that the majority of Gen Z singles view dating apps as increasingly superficial and unhealthy. A recent survey of 1,000 adults who have used a dating app in the past five years shows that 70% of Gen Z participants believe these platforms have degraded the quality of modern dating.

The study, commissioned by the wine brand 19 Crimes, highlights a growing discontent among younger users. About 22% of respondents described dating apps as unhealthy, while more than half expressed that using these services feels more like a game than a genuine search for connection.

Shifting Priorities in Dating

Interestingly, appearance appears to hold less sway among Gen Z. Only 27% of this demographic consider looks the most important aspect of a dating profile. This contrasts with 36% of Millennials and 35% of Gen X and Baby Boomers who prioritize physical appearance.

Participants reported that only a third of people they interacted with on dating apps came across as “nice,” while 40% described their experiences with others as “mean” or “weird.”

The study also explored common red flags that users encounter on these platforms. The top concerns include having an extensive list of demands (31%), projecting arrogance (25%), and using heavily filtered or edited photographs (25%).

Users also reported an average of seven instances of being ghosted after a date, while admitting to ghosting others an average of five times. Additionally, 22% of respondents claimed to have been catfished or misled at some point, a figure that closely aligns with the 29% who felt they had made a meaningful connection through these apps.

A New Approach to Dating

In response to these findings, 19 Crimes is launching a novel event titled “Read and Buried,” designed to offer an alternative to traditional dating apps. Scheduled for this Halloween, the event invites singles to connect with each other in a unique, interactive setting led by psychic medium Sam O’Brien. O’Brien, known for his work with celebrities such as Rylan, Tess Daly, and Kylie Minogue, will guide attendees as they engage with “not-so-living” guests.

O’Brien stated, “Dating today can feel soulless, so why not bring in a few actual souls? Whether you’ve been ghosted or just ghost-curious, Read and Buried is about breaking the dating rules, enjoying a new experience, and maybe even making a supernatural connection.”

The event is part of a broader effort by 19 Crimes to challenge conventional dating norms. Chantal McDowell, a representative for the brand, emphasized that the research indicates modern dating isn’t meeting the needs of everyone. “With Read and Buried, we’re inviting singles to ditch the apps, embrace the unexpected, and have a little rebellious fun while they’re at it. What better way to meet someone this Halloween, alive or dead, than over a glass of wine?”

The findings of this study underscore a shift in dating preferences among younger generations, who are increasingly open to alternative experiences. Nearly half of respondents expressed a desire to meet potential partners at social events, while many are also inclined to seek introductions through friends or shared hobbies. Furthermore, a significant majority of Gen Z (71%) and Millennials (68%) indicated an interest in attending in-person dating events that offer a unique twist.

As traditional dating methods face scrutiny, the rise of inventive alternatives like “Read and Buried” could reflect a potential evolution in how individuals seek romance in a digital age.