Part 7/12:
Changing Demographics and User Preferences
By 2020, roughly 30% of Americans had tried a dating app, but this plateau was a warning sign. Millennials, the original core demographic, began losing interest. Now, Generation Z came of age with different priorities: many rejected hookup-centric culture and had reservations about safety and trust online. They were less inclined to use or trust dating apps altogether.
Increasing Frustration and Negative Perception
Today, 79% of users report frustration with dating apps. The gender imbalance — with women being more selective and men feeling stuck — amplified dissatisfaction. This gender gap created even more frustration for men and reduced overall engagement.