For many years, the first Sunday of a new year has been the busiest day of the year for dating apps. A new year, new resolutions, and that familiar urge to “sort your love life out” before work starts again.
But this year, many people are choosing something different.
Instead of downloading another app, they’re stepping away from the screens – and back into real life (and I couldn’t be happier).
The quiet rebellion against dating apps
Online dating fatigue is real (it can also be very addictive) – endless swiping, half-conversations, ghosting, catfishing, overthinking, and the overall pressure, can make being single feel like a full-time job (and an exhausting one at that).
Increasingly, people are opting out.
According to Ofcom’s Online Nation 2024 report, time spent on dating apps is declining rapidly, as people rethink their relationship with social media and digital platforms. Singles aren’t giving up on connection – they’re just choosing better ways to experience it.
From conversations with our community, one thing is clear: People don’t want more dating. They want more connection, more laughter, and more ease.
That’s where we come in!
It's not about dating - it's about living
Boycotting online dating in 2026 doesn’t mean replacing apps with awkward mixers or forced interactions.
It means choosing:
- real conversations, over profiles
- shared experiences, over small talk
- belonging to a community, over algorithms and “matching”
Our meetups are designed for singles who simply want to get out of the house, meet new people, and be part of a community – without any pressure, expectations, or labels.
No agendas. No outcomes. Just people who want to have a nice time.
Why people are choosing a more relaxed social life
Broaden your social circle naturally
Meet people from different backgrounds, cultures, ages, and walks of life – not because an algorithm matched you, but because you showed up, opened your mind, and gave it a go.
Feel comfortable being yourself
There’s something truly refreshing about walking into a room full of strangers, where no one expects anything from you. No pitches. No pretending. Just conversation.
Our meetups invite you to be unapologetically you!
Enjoy social time again
Our meetups are informal, fun, friendly, and deliberately low-key – think chats, laughs, and great company.
We’re not about dating, finding “the one”, structured activities, forced fun, or spotlight moments.
Fancy giving us a try? Sign up for your free membership today.
Step away from screens
When I was dating back in 2015, my friends referred to me as a, “serial dater”. I was always on the apps – when I woke up, on my lunch break, before I went to bed, and any other time I had spare – it was addictive and unhealthy.
A break from dating apps (and other social platforms) can be incredibly freeing – less scrolling, less validation, and more presence.
Protect your wellbeing
Endless online interaction isn’t great for our mental health – agreed?
In-person interactions, even in small doses, is grounding, energising, and human – we all need it.
What our meetups are like
If you’re picturing anything intense, forced, or awkward – don’t.
Our gatherings usually take place in relaxed bars, coffee shops, and other welcoming venues. People arrive, grab a drink, chat, mingle, and settle in at their own pace.
Some come alone. Some bring friends.
Some stay an hour. Some stay for the entirety.
There’s no right way to show up.
You might leave with:
- new friends
- familiar faces for next time
- a sense of belonging
- or simply having had a really nice time
And that’s enough.
Join the 2026 dating app boycott
This isn’t about sacking off dating forever.
It’s about giving yourself permission to stop trying so hard. Just relax.
2026 is already shaping up to be the year singles reclaim their social lives – without apps, expectations, or labels.
If you’re ready to:
- ditch online dating
- enjoy a busy social life
- be part of a friendly and welcoming community
You’re very welcome here – we look forward to meeting you.
