What Is the Future of Dating and Matchmaking Services?
For dating apps in general, studies show that there has been an increasing drop in the number of downloads and a steady rise of people deleting their apps.
A CNN article states that the behemoth dating app Tinder is “shrinking.” Even the younger generation are now considering dating apps a waste of time. Another article on Wired shares how hopeless romantics talk about the downsides (and basically their negative experiences) using dating apps like Bumble, Hinge, Tinder, and Plenty of Fish. Basically, these apps give them an opportunity to start fun conversations with matches at first, until it becomes a “ghost city” when it comes to taking things to the next level (asking for their number, planning a date, or meeting in person).
While it’s no surprise that people are starting to feel worn out from the swiping trend and realizing that the short-lived excitement of matching with someone on an app is leading them to dead ends, there seems to be a different trend overall for matchmaking.
People have referred to it as an old-school way of finding and meeting suitable partners, whether it’s through a friend or hiring a professional. In the words of Faith Hill as she writes about the subject for The Atlantic, matchmaking is the new old dating trend, and it’s having a renaissance — for good reason.
As a result of the pandemic and negative experiences associated with dating apps, singles have resorted to what they call “slow dating.” This is where they take the time to get to know someone before pursuing a relationship with them, therefore allowing them to make informed decisions on what they’re looking for and whether something or someone is worth their time. This trend also promotes better mental health in the long term.
On the other hand, they have also turned to getting someone else to “take the wheel” — to take control of their romantic life. Faith Hill describes it perfectly in her article, saying how a matchmaker can act as a guide throughout the very vulnerable process of dating, and that people find it more appealing to get advice from an actual human who takes so many other aspects about one’s personality before matching them with potential partners.
Matchmakers also have their own database of clients that have undergone background checks, including their dating history, to better assess their personality and preferences in a relationship partner.
In terms of the future of matchmaking, Statista highlights that the matchmaking market is expected to grow to $4.42 billion by 2029, with 138.6 million users.
Many people have shared that matchmaking is simply a different experience, what with having to put your faith in someone who claims to know what they’re doing. The magic of connecting with someone happens only after they’ve met them, and that’s why matchmakers extend their services to more than just introductions, facilitating dates, and giving advice.
In a CNBC article, Jessica Bursztynksky shares what a 28-year-old guy from New York has to say about his experience working with a matchmaker. “Even if the actual matchmaking is unsuccessful, what it has accomplished is I feel so much more validated and confident. So a couple hundred dollars to be reminded of something I didn’t even know I needed to be reminded of is worth it.”
In any case, matchmaking continues to be a fast growing trend despite how costly it can get to guarantee a more fulfilling dating experience. On the one hand, people are tired of the swiping culture and the temporary pleasure of instant gratification that comes with getting a match. On the other hand, singles are turning to professionals to take the lead.
A matchmaker, as Faith Hill puts it, is basically your ally in the modern dating world. Better than a wingman, better than having to swipe for hours, and definitely better than sifting through whoever’s available in your area.
