LOS ANGELES TIMES – Younger users are growing tired of traditional dating apps like Tinder, Bumble, and Hinge, leading to a shift in the online dating market. Startups in Los Angeles are offering alternatives that focus more on in-person connections and less on swiping. Apps like "First Round's on Me" encourage real-life meetups, while others, like Lox Club and Feeld, host social events to foster deeper connections. Gen Z is moving away from swipe-based models, preferring more intentional dating experiences. Although the major apps remain dominant, they face slowing growth, with Tinder and Bumble seeing declines in user engagement and revenue. Smaller, niche apps are emerging but often struggle to scale, with the likelihood of being bought out by larger companies. The industry remains profitable but stagnant, with innovation needed to reignite growth.
