Remember when speed dating felt like something that only existed in the early 2000s and was a thing of the past? Well, it’s back. And in a genuinely popular way.
Speed dating events are quietly making a comeback, and it’s not just because everyone is tired of dating apps. From cozy wine bars to curated experiences in big cities, people are showing up for in-person, high-speed, low-pressure daring events.
But why now? Why, in this world of hyper-digital everything, are people turning to something so old school and so face-to-face? Let’s find out.
They’re Efficient
Dating apps are convenient, sure, but they also encourage ghosting, decision fatigue, and an alarming number of emotionally unavailable people who “aren’t looking for anything serious” but still text you at 2 AM.
People are tired, and the thrill is gone. They want efficiency over convenience. And what’s more efficient than meeting multiple potential matches in under an hour?
You don’t have to schedule multiple separate dates or make small talk in different app chats. You show up, talk to people, and see who you vibe with. All of this actually saves you time and emotional energy, and it’s probably why speed dating events are popping up everywhere.
They Actually Work
Are you going to meet your soulmate at a speed dating event? Maybe. Maybe not. But you’ll get a lot of things that apps rarely give you, including clarity and authenticity.
In person, you know immediately if someone is a no or maybe. You don’t have to go through a long chain of texts to figure out their personality, feel confused about their tone without a look at their body language, and if your energies don’t match, you can simply move on to the next table.
Success stories happen more often than you’d think, especially if you’re looking for a more local experience. Living in Philadelphia, for example, means you can simply attend a speed dating Philadelphia event to meet like-minded people.
They Feel Refreshing
When everything is online, from work to grocery shopping, things start to feel monotonous and boring. And doing something offline just feels different.
People are realising that not every interaction needs to lead to a grand love story. Sometimes, it’s just fun to dress up, meet strangers, have real five-minute chats, and go home with a friendship or two. Rotting in your bed with a screen in your face doesn’t really do much for your health or mind.
Gen Z and Millennials Want Real Connection
You would think the generations raised on the internet would be the most committed to dating apps, but that’s not really true. A lot of younger adults are over it and looking for ways to connect in person. They want authenticity and honesty more than ever.
There’s also something oddly rebellious now about going out and talking to strangers. People want something more genuine and less curated. They want real faces, real voices, and all those awkward situations and small talk moments.
Speed dating checks all those boxes, while keeping things low-pressure and fast.
