Dating.com Survey Shows More Singles Turn to Dating Apps, But Inflation Puts Dent in Plans

A survey by Dating.com found that online dating sites worldwide are attracting 12 million new users annually, with about 70 percent of global singles using web services to find a mate.

Yet as swiping photos in search of partners has increased, dating behaviour in a post-COVID world means people face higher costs when arranging that all-important face-to-face meeting.

“Two out of three say that cost is an important factor when deciding what to do on a date,” Logan Ury, director of relationship science at dating site Hinge.

In June 2022, inflation in the U.S. hit 9.1 percent, the most significant increase in four decades, with full-service restaurant prices rising 8.9 percent, according to Bloomberg. Higher costs are prompting many daters to think twice about that potentially expensive first date with someone they are unsure is an appropriate mate.

Among 3,000 users surveyed by the online dating site Hinge, 41 percent reported they were more concerned with dating costs now versus a year ago, given inflation. Gen Z respondents (those born between 1997 and 2012) are more likely to feel cost pressures.

In June 2022, inflation in the U.S. hit 9.1 percent, the most significant increase in four decades, with full-service restaurant prices rising 8.9 percent, according to Bloomberg. Higher costs are prompting many daters to think twice about that potentially expensive first date with someone they are unsure is an appropriate mate.

Among 3,000 users surveyed by the online dating site Hinge, 41 percent reported they were more concerned with dating costs now versus a year ago, given inflation. Gen Z respondents (those born between 1997 and 2012) are more likely to feel cost pressures.