Face-to-face singles events in the UK are on the rise. While dating apps have become a popular way for singletons to meet and connect online, Eventbrite has found a 400% increase in face-to-face dating event listings between 2018 and 2022, with people shunning the superficiality of apps in favour of getting to know each other face to face.

Even though 72% of Gen Yers make a conscious decision to be single and 90% of Gen Z say they are frustrated with dating apps, Britons are finding other routes to love with 18% meeting partners through mutual friends and 5% finding a partner through a shared hobby. But finding love doesn't come without its challenges, with over half of adults in the US saying that dating has become harder for most people in the last 10 years.

Responding to a return to traditional dating practices, dating app Thursday is hosting exclusive events in London and New York City to facilitate more meaningful IRL connections and conversations. Even algorithmic-based dating apps like Bumble are catching on by trialling a speed dating feature in the UK that allows participants to chat for three minutes before photos and profiles are revealed to each other.