From decentralised autonomous organisations (DAOs) run on Discord to city-wide mutual aid groups, people are finding safety and optimism in numbers. For growing numbers of people, collective action is emerging as the only viable solution to compounding crises and deepening alienation.

Dating app Hinge has added a feature that allows users to better explore non-monogamy. As younger generations pursue non-traditional relationships that align with their values and sexual identities, dating apps are becoming more flexible to accommodate the methods and motivations of their users.

A rise in dating app subscriptions suggests that the cost of living crisis is no major barrier for those looking to find love. However, many Americans are choosing to spend less on dates with their matches, reinforcing the idea that singletons are seeking authentic connections above all.

As people explore new dating possibilities, they’re seeking online dating spaces that prioritise personal preferences and safety. After looking at this behaviour in the Home and Relationships Sector Snapshot, Canvas8 spoke to nine Britons to find out what dedicated daters want from dating apps.

Dating apps aren’t the only way for people to meet online. Couples are finding each other all over the internet – via Discord servers, video games, review sites, and even customer service portals. What do these unconventional digital meet-cutes reveal about the state of digital romance?