Majority of Gen Z are Deleting Dating Apps within a Month

If you’ve ever downloaded a dating app, opened it with excitement, and deleted it just a few days later, you’re in good company. Many young adults feel the same way, and for Gen Z in particular, swiping has started to feel more like a chore than a chance at connection.

Think back to your own first experience. Maybe you were sitting with a friend, scrolling and laughing together, only to realize later that none of those matches turned into real conversations. That frustration is exactly what today’s younger daters are feeling, and they're walking away from apps faster than ever.

According to FastCompany and AppsFlyer, 69% of dating apps downloaded in 2025 were deleted within the first month. This is a sign that the industry needs to evolve if it wants to keep Gen Z engaged.

Why Gen Z Is Tapping Out

During the pandemic, dating apps were a lifeline for young people who spent formative years learning, socializing, and even celebrating online. But that same digital comfort has created new challenges. Psychology professor Wendy Walsh notes that Gen Z “lost at least two years of social learning” during COVID, which makes in-person dating feel more intimidating.

The result? You have a generation that wants to date, but often feels nervous about the steps apps are designed to encourage — like messaging strangers or planning a first meet-up.

At the same time, dating fatigue is real. A Forbes Health survey found that 79% of Gen Z users feel burned out by dating apps. Many say the constant swiping, endless choices, and conversations that fizzle out leave them wondering if they’re actually getting any closer to meeting someone.

If you’ve ever noticed your conversations stall after a few messages, you know exactly what they’re talking about.

What’s Working — and What Isn’t

Across the industry, companies are starting to feel this shift. Match Group recently reported a dip in paying users, even though overall revenue ticked up slightly. Bumble also noted declines earlier this year. These trends point to the same challenge: people are still downloading apps, but they’re not sticking around.

There is, however, a bright spot. Hinge continues to grow among younger daters, and it’s proving that intentional design can make a difference. The app’s focus on conversation prompts and meaningful profiles seems to resonate, and Match Group leadership recently highlighted this success during industry discussions on CNBC.

Hinge’s momentum suggests that Gen Z doesn’t dislike dating apps entirely — they just want tools that help them form real connections without feeling overwhelmed or pressured.

Can AI Actually Help You Date Better?

With so much frustration across the category, it’s no surprise that dating companies are turning to AI for help. New features aim to reduce awkward moments, improve photo selection, and even offer feedback on prompts or messages. The hope is that technology can remove some of the stress while still keeping interactions authentic.

Apps like Tinder and Bumble have emphasized that AI isn’t meant to replace real conversations. Instead, it’s designed to support you — for example, by improving safety checks, helping you choose photos that reflect your personality, or nudging you before sending a message that might come across the wrong way.

Interestingly, many Gen Z users say they’re hesitant about AI in dating, but most don’t realize they’re already using it. When these tools stay in the background and simply make the experience smoother, they feel less threatening — and more helpful.

For you as a dater, the takeaway is simple: AI can make dating easier when it helps you express yourself more clearly, stay safe, and focus on the people who genuinely match your interests.

If apps continue to use AI thoughtfully, without letting it take over the human side of dating, it may be exactly what brings Gen Z — and anyone feeling burned out — back to swiping with a little more confidence.