Month: February 2026

Gen Z Dating Expectations Don’t Match Reality, Hily Report Finds

Posted on February 16, 2026
Hily T.R.U.T.H. report

EINPRESSWIRE – Based on a survey of 3K U.S. Gen Z users, Hily’s Dating T.R.U.T.H. Report shows a gap between perception and reality in dating: social media and peer pressure make young people think others date often and successfully, while many actually had no dates in 2025. This comparison leads to dissatisfaction with partners, lower confidence, and widespread dating fatigue. In response, Gen Z is moving toward more authentic behavior – greater openness to meeting in person, reading profiles more carefully, and reducing social media use – with many believing dating was better about ten years ago.

See full article at EinPresswire

Dating App Fatigue Drives Women to $150K Matchmaking Services

Posted on February 16, 2026
Logo of Linx Dating

ELLE – Dating-app fatigue is pushing wealthy women toward high-end matchmaking firms. Cinqe International, MacLynn International, Linx Dating, Ultimate Matchmaker, and invite-only platform Core are some of them, with contracts ~$150K. These services replace swiping with curated vetting, candidate sourcing through networks and recruiters, and ongoing coaching aimed at commitment-ready matches. Demand from women is rising as apps are viewed as inefficient and low-accountability, but matchmakers emphasize effort and compatibility rather than guaranteeing marriage.

See full article at Elle

Kindred Launches Friend-Powered Matchmaking Platform

Posted on February 16, 2026
Logo of Kindred

PRNEWSWIRE – Kindred is a new matchmaking platform that lets singles invite friends to act as digital matchmakers, replacing swiping with introductions through mutual connections. Users create profiles and rely on “validators” – friends or family – to recommend and vet matches within their networks. The free service focuses on intentional dating, avoids paywalls and gimmicks, and complements online matching with in-person events in select U.S. cities.

See full article at PRNewswire

CasualX Is a No-Strings-Attached Hookup App

Posted on February 16, 2026
CasualX

MASHABLE – CasualX is a dating app focused exclusively on casual, no-strings-attached encounters, positioning itself as an alternative to platforms where users seek serious relationships. It offers standard swiping and a social “moments” feed, manual profile review to reduce fakes, and privacy features like private albums and app locks. The app targets users looking for hookups or friends-with-benefits and gained early traction with tens of thousands of users and high daily match activity.

See full article at Mashable

DUA AG Acquires Gen Z Dating App IRLY

Posted on February 12, 2026
Dua.com acquired irly

VANCOUVER TECH JOURNAL – Switzerland-based DUA AG has acquired the IRLY (I Really Like You) brand, including its trademark and IP, in an all-cash asset deal. Founded in Vancouver by Connor Rose, Laura Rollock, and Cameron Dallas, IRLY positioned itself as a Gen Z, personality-first alternative to swipe-based dating apps. The acquisition adds IRLY to DUA AG’s growing portfolio, which includes Albanian dating app dua.com (2019) and hyper-local platform Spotted.de (acquired 2022), as the group expands its niche, youth-focused dating brands.

See full article at Vancouver Tech Journal

Can AI Replace Matchmakers?

Posted on February 12, 2026

ASK A MATCHMAKER – In this solo episode, Matchmaker Maria examines the rise of AI-driven dating tools and argues that algorithms and chatbot coaches can’t replicate the human elements of chemistry, accountability, and community. She discusses where AI can support dating and where it falls short, challenges the swipe-first mindset, and distinguishes between validation and genuine compatibility. The episode also includes practical dating advice for 2026 and guidance for navigating apps, dating fatigue, and Valentine’s Day as a single person.

Grindr Tests AI-Powered EDGE Subscription Tier

Posted on February 12, 2026
Grindr EDGE

GRINDR – Grindr is testing a new premium subscription tier called EDGE, positioning it as a fully AI-integrated upgrade to the app experience. Powered by its gAI™ stack, EDGE embeds AI across discovery, messaging, and re-engagement rather than limiting it to a single feature. The tier includes daily personalized profile recommendations, conversation recaps to help users reconnect with missed chats, and expanded profile insights aimed at improving match quality and follow-through. The pilot is currently running in Australia, New Zealand, select U.S. cities, and Canada, with randomized pricing during testing. Grindr states that AI features are optional and that sensitive health data is excluded from AI use.

See full article at Grindr blog

Dating in the Age of Ghosting and Bailing

Posted on February 12, 2026
ghosting

TECHNICIAN – Despite making dating more accessible, apps have normalized ghosting, last-minute cancellations, and “breadcrumbing,” contributing to widespread frustration and burnout. Studies show high rates of ghosting among Gen Z and Millennials, with many both experiencing and engaging in it. Experts link this behavior to dating app fatigue, constant availability expectations, and the anonymity of online platforms, which can reduce accountability and encourage poor treatment of others. Combined with economic and social pressures, these trends have fueled what some describe as a “romantic recession,” where people plan dates but increasingly fail to follow through.

See full article at Technician

AI Is Killing Authentic Dating – With Daniel Cheaib, Founder of Feels App

Posted on February 11, 2026

BUILDING GREAT TECH – In this episode of Building Great Tech, Daniel Cheaib, Founder and CEO of Feels, discusses how the Gen Z-focused dating app has reached ~8M downloads and achieved 80% YOY revenue growth. He explains how Feels addresses dating app fatigue by prioritizing authenticity and self-expression for users under 30. The conversation explores Gen Z’s relationship with loneliness, the balance between AI and real-life connection, and how Feels is positioning itself within the evolving online dating landscape.

Coffee Meets Bagel Teams up With SG Culture Pass to Redefine Valentine’s Dates

Posted on February 11, 2026
CoffeeMeetsBagel SG Culture Pass partnership

THE STRAITS TIMES – Coffee Meets Bagel (CMB) has partnered with Singapore’s $300M SG Culture Pass initiative to offer singles exclusive perks on arts and culture events starting Feb 14. The year-long collaboration includes priority access, discounts and upgrades for 11 date-friendly experiences, encouraging users to use their $100 Culture Pass credits on “offline” cultural dates. The Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth said the move aims to reach singles actively dating.

See full article at The Straits Times