Reimagining Connection in a Post-Dating-App World
For over a decade, dating apps like Tinder, Grindr, and Bumble have promised the world at our fingertips: instant connections, limitless matches, and maybe even love. But as we look closer, a new story emerges — one not about connection but disconnection.
Recent trends highlight a seismic shift in how we approach relationships. A 2024 Ofcom report revealed that for the first time, user numbers for major dating apps are in decline. Gen Z, in particular, is leading this exodus, craving authentic, face-to-face connections in response to years of transactional, screen-bound experiences.
This isn't just about dating fatigue. It's about emotional health. Studies show that social media and dating apps, built initially to foster connection, exacerbate feelings of isolation and dissatisfaction. A report from Psychology Today suggests that many users have developed a "false sense of connection" through technology, leaving them ill-equipped to build genuine, meaningful relationships.
In the LGBTQIA+ community, where dating apps like Grindr were revolutionary in their ability to connect marginalised individuals, the story is bittersweet. While these platforms created spaces for us to find each other, they've also commodified our connections, turning people into profiles and relationships into swipes.
Ghosting, Toxicity, and Transactional Love
Dating apps have cultivated a culture of disposability. Ghosting, breadcrumbing, and toxic behaviours are now so commonplace that they feel like features of the system rather than bugs. The result? Users report heightened anxiety, eroded self-esteem, and a growing sense of futility.
The Herald Sun recently spotlighted the resurgence of traditional matchmaking, where human interaction — not algorithms — guides the process. Similarly, initiatives like the BODA (Bored of Dating Apps) group are thriving, hosting real-world meetups to foster organic connections.
The rise of "slowmance" — a deliberate, slower-paced approach to building relationships — also underscores this shift. As CBS News notes, people are turning away from apps' gamified, high-speed interactions, seeking depth and emotional resonance instead.
A Generation Disillusioned
Gen Z is often labelled the loneliest generation. According to Newsweek, eight in ten Gen Z people report experiencing loneliness, with many citing the lack of authentic community as a root cause. For LGBTQIA+ individuals in particular, this problem is compounded by dwindling physical spaces like gay bars, which once served as hubs of connection but are increasingly overshadowed by online platforms.
"We've made do with the tools we have," psychotherapist Nicholas Hardy told Newsweek. "But these tools aren't good for our souls. They create a false sense of community and leave us disconnected from ourselves and others."
Reclaiming Connection
It's clear that what we crave goes beyond matches and likes — it's about authenticity and intention. Enter platforms like Get Out, designed to prioritise community, shared experiences, and genuine human connection. Rather than feeding into the cycle of superficiality, we're building something different: a space where people can rediscover the joy of genuinely showing up for each other.
This isn't just about abandoning dating apps. It's about reclaiming how we connect as a community. Gay bars, community meetups, and intentional spaces still hold power — but we must participate actively, demanding more from ourselves and the tools we use.
The Future of LGBTQIA+ Connection
Dating apps revolutionised how we meet. But as their flaws become harder to ignore, a collective yearning for authenticity is reshaping the future. Whether through slowmance, curated in-person events, or platforms like Get Out, we're taking the first steps toward deeper, more meaningful relationships.
Because at the end of the day, connection isn't just about finding someone — it's about finding yourself surrounded by a community that truly sees you.