Singletons are increasingly looking to try something new with in-person dating events that get you doing rather than swiping.
The Antiswipe was set up in May 2024 by change consultant manager Natalie McGinn, who was fed-up with dating apps and wanted to build a community of like-minded people who could come together to do activities.
All the major UK dating apps – Tinder, Hinge, Bumble and Grindr – all lost UK users between May 2023 and May 2024, according to an Ofcom report, showing a growing trend to take dates offline.
McGinn said: “I think it’s really easy to sit in on a Friday night and just swipe through on one of the dating apps rather than going out.”
From padel and ping-pong to curling and games nights, McGinn wanted to create relaxed, fun events for singles that could combat the dissatisfaction with online dating.
McGinn is not alone, with other in-person events also popping up across the city.
Secret gig company Sofar Sounds started setting up live music nights just for singletons, while dating events company Thursday offers themed dinners, suggesting a surge in market demand.
Antiswipe’s first event of the year was a walk and coffee around Battersea Park.
McGinn had been skeptical about walking events, thinking it wouldn’t draw the same interest as other activities, but she found lots of new faces appeared due to its accessible nature.
Find out more in the video below.
Featured image credit: Charli West
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