Young people decide to ditch dating apps in search of face to face connections beyond the screen

Speed dating events in the city have seen a rise in attendees at their 20s and 30s date nights, with a mini golfing event on 6 November selling out. 

The nationwide speed dating company Slow Dating, which has been putting events on here for some time, has seen a considerable rise in numbers of young singles over the last year. “It has always been a city that was busy, but we have seen a real increase within this age group,” said Lissy Cleminson, the events organiser at Slow Dating. 

Cleminson made the connection between its growing popularity and people being done with online dating. A study by the market research group Savanta, found 90% of gen Z felt “frustrated” with using dating apps.

In recent years, gen Z have experienced a so-called dating app burnout, with videos emerging on social media platforms like TikTok under the hashtag #ditchingdatingapps. 

“I think people are completing dating apps and wondering what else they can do,” said Cleminson. 

Caitlin John, 25, attended a speed dating event last month, after she had become tired of the endless swiping, “It just felt like I was getting nowhere,” she said.

“It was nice to have a face to face conversation,” said John. “It took away that uncertainty about whether the person is actually who they say they are.” Cleminson agreed, noting that speed dating was a controlled environment for young women to meet potential partners. 

The events prioritise safety, with hosts guiding the evening and ensuring that no one is made to feel uncomfortable: “Hosts will step in if something is wrong and even walk them back to the station,” said Cleminson.

The next event will take place on 28 November at Revolution Bar in Cardiff, with tickets costing £24.54. 

John admitted she had been apprehensive but encouraged people to give it a go: “It is really scary at first, but you would be surprised how much can happen in just four minutes.”