New York
CNN
—
Singles are abandoning expensive white tablecloth meals for romance in parks and walks.
The high cost of dining out and changing dating habits due to the pandemic have led singles to seek out more affordable and casual first dates.
Singles spend $130 a month on dating, a 40% increase over the past decade, according to the annual report. Research 5,000 singles funded by Match
(match)owner of Tinder, Hinge and Plenty of Fish.
Research shows that 84% of singles prefer a casual first date. Thirty percent say they’re more open to doing free activities, and 29% want to go on dates closer to home to save on gas bills. Home-cooked meals, coffee or drinks, and other low-cost dates are also becoming more attractive.
“Singles are more open to free dating than ever before,” Rachel Dealt, Match’s chief dating expert, said in an interview. increase.”
According to Plenty of Fish, almost half of single millennials and Gen Zs are suggesting cheaper, more budget-friendly dates. Research 8,000+ users. The app calls this trend “inflation dating.”
Covid-19 restrictions have also changed our dating habits.
People learned in 2020 to be open to free dates and outdoor encounters such as walks and picnics.
“The park has become a hot date spot,” says DeAlto. “This was a great way to meet people without spending extra money and time.”
Video first dates have also grown in popularity during the pandemic. This trend is here to stay. People still use video calls to vette potential candidates and make sure they are worth the time and money.
Before the pandemic, about 8% of people were willing to video date before meeting in person, according to Match. That number jumped to 37% for him.
Match, Bumble and other dating companies have seen consumers make changes to their apps as inflation and the uncertain state of the US economy take a toll on their finances.
People are still signing up for paid subscriptions, but looking to get more likes by buying app profile boosters and other one-time purchases, businesses and analysts say say.
“Our younger users are more susceptible. If you’re out of school, have your first job, and you’ve read a lot about layoffs, they tend to be a little more nervous,” said Match’s chief operating officer. Gary Swidler, who is a wealthy person, said at a conference earlier this month.
People still want to date, but they’re adjusting, he said.
“I don’t think people will stop dating completely, but they might nip in here and there.”
Christine Moss, 28, who works for the online charity DealAid, said inflation had made her “more picky about where and who she dated.”
She now always checks menu prices before going on dates and doesn’t go to bars very often.
When gas prices skyrocketed this summer, she didn’t want to drive more than 20 minutes from home on their first date.
“The location and cost of the first date has become more important than it has been in years,” she said. “Why should I spend extra time and money just to go on dates that may not work out?”
