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Dating in 2025: A Revolution Against the Swipe Culture

Writer's picture: Ana MurascoAna Murasco



Dating in 2025 is unlike anything we’ve seen in the past few decades. A quiet revolution is underway, with people stepping back from dating apps and questioning their role in romantic connections. What was once heralded as the ultimate solution for modern matchmaking has, for many, become a source of frustration and disillusionment. As a society, we’re reckoning with the consequences of app-based dating: superficiality, performative connections, and the overwhelming sense that the spark of serendipity has been extinguished.


The Decline of Dating Apps


The 2010s were the golden age of dating apps. Tinder, Bumble, Hinge—they promised to simplify love and open doors to new people in an increasingly digital world. But as the years passed, the cracks in this system began to show. Algorithms, while convenient, can’t replicate human chemistry. Swiping through countless profiles becomes a draining process, often leading to decision fatigue or a paradox of choice where no one feels quite right.


Studies now suggest that many dating apps are less about fostering meaningful connections and more about keeping users engaged on their platforms. The focus on curated profiles and surface-level compatibility has led to a culture where appearance often trumps substance. The emphasis on quick matches creates fleeting encounters rather than lasting bonds, leaving people feeling disposable in the process.


Adding to this is social media’s impact. Platforms like Instagram and TikTok, which dominate many of our lives, blur the lines between self-expression and performance. People are presenting highlight reels rather than their authentic selves, and this spills over into dating. How can you truly know someone when their digital identity feels like a carefully constructed mask?


The Crisis of Identity


One of the biggest hurdles in modern dating is the growing crisis of identity. As a culture, we’re increasingly detached from who we really are. Social media, influencer culture, and the constant comparison to others make it hard to define ourselves outside of external validation. It’s no wonder dating feels complicated—how can you connect with someone on a deep level if you’re unsure of your own foundation?


This lack of identity is often why relationships built on dating apps feel flimsy. Without a strong sense of self, it’s easy to fall into the trap of seeking someone to "complete you" rather than complement you. Relationships become transactional, a gift exchange of “what can you do for me?” instead of a genuine partnership built on trust and mutual growth.


The Power of In-Person Connections





The backlash against dating apps has led many to seek alternatives, favoring organic, in-person interactions. There’s something undeniably refreshing about meeting someone in a natural setting—a friend’s dinner party, a community event, or even during a shared hobby like hiking or a cooking class. These environments allow people to see each other in authentic moments, free from filters and curated personas.


When you meet someone in person, you pick up on subtleties that an app can never convey: the way they carry themselves, their sense of humor, how they interact with others. These small but significant details make a world of difference in building a meaningful connection.


Knowing Yourself First


Before diving into the dating world, it’s crucial to have a firm grasp on who you are. In my own experience, the times I’ve approached dating without self-awareness have led to misaligned relationships that fizzled out quickly. Knowing your values, passions, and non-negotiables isn’t just empowering—it’s necessary for attracting the right person.

So much of modern dating feels rushed, with people eager to fill a void rather than understand why it exists in the first place. Taking the time to cultivate self-awareness can save you from heartbreak and wasted energy. This doesn’t mean you have to be perfect or have everything figured out, but understanding yourself creates a solid foundation for connecting with others.


Friendship as the Foundation


I’ve learned that the best relationships start with friendship. It’s easy to get swept up in physical attraction or the excitement of a new romance, but without a deeper connection, these relationships often fade as quickly as they began. A strong friendship ensures that your relationship has substance beyond the surface.


When you build a friendship first, you develop trust, respect, and understanding—qualities that make a relationship resilient. Friendship also allows you to see each other’s quirks and imperfections without the pressure of romantic expectations. This creates a safe space where both people can truly be themselves.


Moving Beyond the Physical


In a world that often emphasizes physical appearance, it’s worth challenging ourselves to look deeper. While attraction is important, it shouldn’t be the sole foundation of a relationship. I’ve seen too many couples who prioritize looks or status, only to discover later that they have little in common beyond the surface.


Focusing on emotional compatibility, shared values, and intellectual connection leads to relationships that are more fulfilling and enduring. When the initial excitement fades—as it inevitably does—these deeper bonds are what keep a relationship strong.


The Truth About Relationships


Over the years, I’ve stopped envying people in relationships that seem perfect from the outside. I’ve come to realize that many of these relationships are built on compromise—sometimes to a fault. When I’ve asked myself, “Would they still be together if that compromise didn’t exist?” the answer is often no.


This isn’t to say compromise isn’t important; it’s a necessary part of any partnership. But when it becomes the cornerstone of a relationship, it raises questions about authenticity and longevity. I know not everyone thinks this way, but for me, craving something real and sturdy means prioritizing honesty and alignment over superficial appearances.


Craving Something Real


At the end of the day, what I want—and I suspect what many others want—is a relationship that feels genuine. Not one built on appearances, status, or convenience, but one rooted in mutual respect, understanding, and shared growth. A relationship that feels like a partnership, not a performance.


Dating in 2025 is challenging, but it’s also an opportunity to break free from the cycles that haven’t served us. By stepping away from the convenience of dating apps and focusing on in-person connections, self-awareness, and authentic bonds, we can create relationships that are truly meaningful.


So, if you’re navigating the dating world this year, take a moment to pause and reflect. Ask yourself who you are, what you want, and what you’re willing to give. The best relationships start with a strong foundation—and that foundation begins with you.

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